Burn Care

Stepping into a kitchen without socks or shoes can be dangerous. Think about it, have you ever been cooking and grease splattered onto your skin? Or maybe dropped a piece of hot food onto your foot? Burns can happen on the feet or lower extremities at any time, not just in the kitchen. Be prepared with proper burn care for the feet. Follow these steps the next time a burn occurs on the foot.

• Place the burn under cold water immediately.

• Soak the foot in water and a small amount of mild soap.

• Using a soft washcloth, remove any loose skin or debris to avoid possible infection.

• Blot the burn dry with a clean washcloth.

• Once dry, apply a pain relieving ointment like Neosporin or an antibiotic ointment.

• Apply a bandage large enough to cover the burned area.

• Change the dressing twice a day until the burn is healed.

• For the duration of the burn, wear loose white socks.

• Elevate the foot above your heart to decrease swelling.

• Walking on your foot will prevent the accumulation of fluid and promote healing.

• Take ibuprofen for pain and to reduce swelling.

• If the burn is second or third degree, make an appointment right away.

Things Not To Do:

• Don’t use ice cold water to wash out the burn.

• Don’t use petroleum jelly or body lotion on the burn.

• Don’t wrap the foot because it will reduce the circulation and hinder healing.