Fireworks, while often a source of celebration, carry a significant risk of burn injuries due to the high temperatures they produce. A sparkler, for instance, can reach temperatures exceeding 2,000°C, far hotter than boiling water. Understanding how to react promptly and appropriately to a firework burn can reduce pain, prevent complications, and support healing.
Immediate First Aid for Minor Burns
For minor firework burns, such as superficial (first-degree) or small partial-thickness (second-degree) injuries, immediate first aid focuses on cooling the affected area. Hold the burn under cool, not cold or iced, running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This reduces pain, swelling, and potential scarring. If running water is unavailable, use any cool liquid, like juice or milk, until running water is accessible.
After cooling the burn, gently clean the area with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh cleansers or scrubbing, which can further irritate damaged skin. Once clean, cover the burn loosely with a sterile, non-stick bandage or clean plastic film, such as cling film. This protective layer helps prevent infection and can also reduce pain by limiting air exposure.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. Avoid applying ice, butter, oils, toothpaste, or other home remedies to the burn, as these can trap heat, increase infection risk, or cause further tissue damage. Do not intentionally break any blisters, as they provide a natural protective barrier against infection.
Recognizing and Responding to Serious Burns
Identifying a serious burn and seeking professional medical attention promptly is necessary. A burn warrants immediate medical care if it appears deep, involving all layers of the skin (third-degree), or if it is a large partial-thickness burn, generally larger than the size of the injured person’s palm or about 3 inches in diameter. Third-degree burns may exhibit skin that is dry, leathery, or appears white, black, brown, or charred; there may be little to no pain due to nerve damage.
Burns located on sensitive areas such as the face, neck, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints also require immediate medical assessment, regardless of their apparent depth. Any burn that encircles an arm or a leg, or those caused by chemicals or electricity, needs emergency care. For such serious injuries, contact emergency services immediately.
While waiting for medical help, protect the burned person from further harm by removing them from the heat source. If clothing is stuck to the burn, do not attempt to remove it; instead, cool the burn through the clothing with cool running water. Elevate the burned area above heart level if possible to reduce swelling. Loosely cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or sterile bandage to protect it until medical professionals can provide care.
Aftercare and Healing
Proper aftercare is important for healing and preventing complications following a firework burn. For minor burns managed at home, continue to keep the area clean by washing it daily with mild soap and water. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a prescribed antibiotic ointment, then cover it with a non-stick dressing, changing it regularly as advised.
Monitor the healing burn closely for any indications of infection from bacteria entering the wound. Signs of infection may include increased pain, persistent redness that spreads beyond the burn, swelling, warmth to the touch, pus or discharge, or a foul odor. A fever can also signal an infection. If any of these signs appear, seek medical advice promptly.
Protecting the healing skin from sun exposure is important, as new skin is particularly sensitive to sun damage, which can worsen scarring and discoloration. Wearing protective clothing or applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF is advisable when outdoors. For more serious burns, the recovery process may involve specialized wound care, and adherence to follow-up medical appointments is important for good healing and to address potential scarring.