Tejasswi Prakash, a popular television actress, recently sustained a severe burn on her hand while filming for the reality cooking show ‘Celebrity MasterChef’. Despite the injury, she expressed her commitment to the show, stating, “The show must go on,” as she displayed her burn mark on social media.
The incident occurred during a particularly intense cooking segment, highlighting the inherent risks associated with culinary competitions. This incident highlights the potential hazards present in kitchen environments, particularly during cooking activities.
Tips To Prevent Burn Injuries In The Kitchen
The kitchen is a hub of creativity and nourishment, but it can also pose significant risks for burn injuries. Thousands of people are affected due to hot surfaces, boiling liquids, and open flames. By adopting proactive safety measures and mindful cooking habits, one can create a safer environment while enjoying your culinary adventures.
Dress Appropriately: Wear short or fitted-sleeved clothes to avoid catching fire from hot surfaces or flames.
Use Safe Cookware: Ensure that any cookware used in the microwave is microwave-safe and allows steam to escape. Allow food to rest before removing it.
Establish a Kid-Free Zone: Keep children at least 3 feet away from cooking areas. If you need to supervise young children, place them in a highchair outside this zone.
Turn Pot Handles Away: Always turn pot handles inward to prevent them from being knocked off the stove.
Use Lids When Frying: Cover frying pans with lids to minimize splatter burns. Use oven mitts when removing lids to avoid steam burns.
Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time while cooking to reduce the risk of accidents.
Keep Flammable Items Away: Store matches, lighters, and other flammable items out of children’s reach and ensure candles are placed safely away from anything that could catch fire.
Adjust Water Heater Settings: Set your water heater temperature to normal degrees to prevent scalding injuries, especially for children.
What Are The Treatments Of Burn Injuries?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a burn is defined as an injury to the skin or other organic tissue. It is primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction, or contact with chemicals. Dr. Nivedita Dadu, Dermatologist and Founder, Chairman at Dr. Nivedita Dadu’s Dermatology Clinic Dadu Skin Clinic explained a few first-aid measures for skin burns.
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Soak the burnt skin in cold water: Immerse the affected area in cool water to reduce pain and prevent further damage. If soaking isn’t possible, use a cool, wet compress.
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Apply an antibiotic gel on the burnt area: After cooling, gently dry the skin and apply a thin layer of antibiotic gel to prevent infection. Avoid creams not specifically designed for burns.
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If you are experiencing acute pain, take a painkiller: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain. Follow dosage instructions and consult a doctor if pain persists.
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Proper bandaging is necessary to prevent infection of the wound: Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage, changing it daily or when it becomes wet or dirty to protect against infection.
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Have antibiotics to allow faster skin healing: If there’s an infection risk or severe burns, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics. Complete the full course as directed.
If you have suffered a third-degree burn, you must consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for treatment: For severe burns or those that don’t heal properly, seek specialized care for advanced treatments.
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