Diwali: How to treat firecracker burns at home

Diwali is a festival of lights, and sometimes, in our excitement to light firecrackers, we forget that they could be dangerous. If you or someone close to you has suffered a burn or an injury during the celebrations, know how to treat a burn caused by a firecracker burn!

How to heal the firecracker burn during Diwali?

A burn is a skin injury that is mostly brought on by heat, though it can also be brought on by the heat and chemicals found in firecrackers. Due to their thinner skin, children are especially susceptible to it. And no matter how cautious you are when setting off firecrackers, accidents nevertheless occur frequently. Let’s see what you can do in response to that.

Health Shots reached out to Dr Vikrant Shah, consulting physician, intensivist and infectious disease specialist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital Chembur, to find out how you can treat firecracker injuries during Diwali celebration.

Here are 3 tips to follow to treat a firecracker burn during Diwali:

1. Cold water

If one tends to suffer from a minor burn, keep the affected area under running cold water, or opt for a cold compress for the area. Cooling the burn will reduce the pain, swelling and risk of scarring. In fact, it can also lessen the impact of firecracker burn.

2. Bandage

Use sterile gauze and loosely tie a bandage on the affected area. Keeping the wound covered will help to heal it faster.

3. Moisturizer

Try using moisturizing lotion on the impacted area, which will help to avoid dry skin. This will also lower the chances of blisters. Do not use any cream, lotion, or product without asking the doctor. Also, painkillers should be used only after the doctor prescribes them.

5 home remedies for firecracker burn treatment

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera can work wonders on burnt skin. Are you aware? Aloe vera is great for treating first-degree burns. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera tend to promote circulation around the burn, which further restricts the growth of bacteria in that area, and can safeguard you from infections. Use pure aloe vera gel directly extracted from the leaf of the plant. Say NO to artificial ones.

Also, read: This first-aid guide for minor burns will help you deal with cooking accidents

2. Honey

Honey is completely safe to use on mild to moderate burn wounds. It is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature and helps to manage first-degree burns.

3. Coconut oil

Contrary to popular belief, coconut oil cannot treat everything. But it definitely can help. Coconut oil contains vitamin E which is excellent for tackling the post-burn mark on the skin.

4. Lavender oil

The linalyl acetate and beta-caryophyllene are pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties in lavender oil and help to treat minor burns. It can speed up the recovery process.

Also, read: Preventing skin burns is NOW possible. Just follow these neat tricks

5. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is loaded with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that allow one to deal with minor burns.

Treatment of firecracker eye injuries

Firecrackers can rupture the eyeball or produce chemical and thermal burns, all of which can result in lifelong eye injury. So, if your eyes are damaged by firecrackers, head straight to the hospital. Try applying an eye pad or a mild, clean dressing to the injured eye, nevertheless, if the damage is minor. Or you might just use water to wash the eye.