An expert warns that home remedies, so common in Colombian families, can worsen the injury and put life at risk.
News Colombia.
Velitas Day marks the real beginning of Christmas for millions of Colombians. Between candles, gunpowder, custard and family gatherings, the night of December 7 is synonymous with tradition, but it is also one of the dates with the highest number of burn injuries in the country. The mixture of fire, carelessness and celebrations ends each year with emergencies that, in many cases, could have been avoided.
In the midst of this panorama, specialists remember that the first reaction to a burn determines a good part of the recovery. Although the intention is always to help, many practices continue to be guided by “grandmother’s recipes” that, far from relieving, aggravate the injury and complicate medical care.
The most common mistake is trusting home remedies. Throughout the country, recommendations are still heard to apply aloe vera, tomato, butter, coffee, egg, yogurt or honey, as if they were immediate treatments. The problem is that none of these elements reduce the damage; On the contrary, they can cause infections or deepen the burn, especially in children, who are the most frequent victims during these celebrations.
As explained by plastic surgeon Ernesto Barbosa, honorary member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery—interviewed by Blu Radio—every second counts in a burn and, therefore, it is key to avoid actions that could complicate the injured tissue. Barbosa warns that using ice, bursting blisters, rubbing the skin, removing stuck-on clothing or applying creams without medical indication are mistakes that are still repeated in many homes.
Recommendations vary depending on the type of burn. In cases caused by gunpowder or fire, the area should be cooled with running water for 10 to 15 minutes, remove accessories and cut clothing if it is not stuck to the skin. When the accident occurs with hot liquids, it is indicated to cool the skin for 15 minutes and remove wet, non-stick clothing. Chemical burns require washing with plenty of water for 30 to 45 minutes, while electrical burns require going immediately to the emergency room without attempting additional maneuvers.
Experts insist that even small lesions can become complicated if they become infected. Therefore, beyond celebration and gunpowder, prevention remains the most effective tool: supervising minors, avoiding the use of handmade devices and acting correctly in the first minutes can make the difference between a quick recovery and a family tragedy.
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