Burns

What are burns?

Burns are one of the most common household injuries, especially among children, the elderly, and women in low-income communities. A burn is not just the painful sensation felt after contact with something hot. It is a serious injury where the skin is damaged, sometimes so badly that it dies.

In Africa, burns are a major health concern. Over one million burns occur in sub-Saharan Africa every year, leading to severe illness and death. According to the world health organization (WHO), people in low- and middle-income countries are seven times more likely to die from burns compared to those in high-income countries. Many burn cases in Africa happen at home, mostly from hot liquids, open fires, faulty electrical connections, and unsafe cooking methods.

What causes burns?

Burns can happen in many ways, including:

  • Hot liquids: Boiling water, hot oil, or porridge spilling on the skin.
  • Fire: Flames from stoves, charcoal fires, candles, or house fires.
  • Electric burns: Faulty wiring, bare electrical wires, or touching live electric parts.
  • Chemical burns: Handling strong chemicals like bleach or acid without protection.
  • Sunburn: Prolonged exposure to the sun, especially in very hot regions.

How common are burns in Africa?

  • In some African countries, over 80% of burns occur at home, mostly affecting children and women.
  • Many households cook with open fires, kerosene stoves, or gas cylinders, which increases the risk of burns.
  • Hospitals in Africa report that burn victims make up a significant number of emergency cases, with hot water and fire burns being the most common causes.
  • Many burn cases lead to serious infections or long-term disabilities due to limited access to proper medical care.

How can you prevent burns?

Most burns can be prevented by taking simple safety measures at home. Here are a few tips:

  • Keep children away from the kitchen while cooking.
  • Turn pot handles away from the edge of the stove to prevent accidental spills.
  • Use thick cloths to handle hot pots and kettles.
  • Check bath water temperature before use, especially for children.
  • Store matches, lighters, and chemicals out of children’s reach.
  • Avoid using kerosene lamps and candles near flammable items.
  • Ensure electrical wires are properly insulated.
  • Wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Types of burns and their symptoms?

Burns are classified based on how deeply they affect the skin:

  • First-degree burns: Affects only the top layer of the skin, causing redness and pain (e.g., mild sunburn).
  • Second-degree burns: Affects deeper layers of the skin, causing blisters, swelling, and severe pain.
  • Third-degree burns: Destroys all skin layers, making the area look white, leathery, or charred.
  • Fourth-degree burns: The most severe type, extending beyond the skin to affect muscles, bones, and nerves.

What to do if you get burned?

For minor burns (first-degree burns):

  • Cool the burn with clean, cool running water (not ice) for at least 5 minutes.
  • Take painkillers like paracetamol if needed.
  • Apply aloe vera or an antibiotic ointment to keep the area moist.
  • Cover the burn with a clean, loose gauze (not cotton wool).
  • Avoid butter, toothpaste, eggs, or flour. These can increase the risk of infection.

For serious burns (second- to fourth-degree burns):

  • Run cool water over the burn for at least 15 minutes.
  • Take a pain reliever like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
  • Cover the burn with a clean cloth or gauze.
  • Do not burst blisters.
  • Seek medical attention immediately!

Complications of burns?

Severe burns can lead to:

  • Infections: Open wounds can allow bacteria to enter, causing serious illnesses like sepsis.
  • Tetanus: A deadly bacterial infection that affects the muscles and nerves. Ensure your tetanus vaccine is up to date (every 10 years).
  • Scarring and disability: Some burns leave permanent marks or make it difficult to move certain body parts.
  • Hypothermia: A condition where the body loses too much heat from the injury.
  • Blood loss and shock: Severe burns can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, which can be fatal.

Long-term care and recovery?

  • Skin grafting (surgery) may be needed for serious burns.
  • Physical therapy helps ensure that burnt areas heal properly and do not affect movement.
  • Counselling and rehabilitation may help victims, especially children, recover emotionally from the trauma of burns.

Final thoughts?

Burns are preventable, yet they remain a major problem in Africa. Many people do not have access to proper medical care, making it essential to take all precautions at home. Be careful when cooking, using electrical appliances, and handling hot liquids or chemicals.