How to Avoid Common Burn Hazards During the Holiday Season

Written by Alan Stephens, M.D., Plastic Surgery Specialist

As winter descends upon Michigan, the charm of a cozy fireplace and the festive warmth of holiday gatherings become central to the season. However, with the change in weather, comes an increase in burn-related injuries.

Each year, we see a surge in patients seeking care for burns from fireplaces and kitchen mishaps. This article shares practical advice to keep you safe around fire and heat, ensuring a winter filled with warmth and joy without the worry of any post-holiday injury care.

Learn how to stay safe and enjoy a healthy holiday season with these five safety tips:

1. Fireplace Safety:

Risk: Each year, thousands of adults and children in the United States end up in the emergency room with burns related to glass-fronted fireplaces. The glass doors can reach scorching temperatures and remain hot long after the fire is extinguished.

Safety Tips:

• Invest in safety barriers for existing gas fireplaces.
• Supervise toddlers and young children around active or recently used fireplaces.
• Add gates or avoid using the fireplace when toddlers are present.

2. Kitchen Safety:

Risk: Amidst the joy and bustle of holiday meal preparations, it's easy to become distracted in the kitchen. However, distractions can lead to accidents, especially burns.

Safety Tips:

• Stay focused when using the stovetop or oven or handling hot utensils.
• Use oven mitts and move slowly in crowded kitchen spaces.
• Supervise young children in the kitchen.

3. Deep Fryer Cautions:

Risk: Deep frying can cause severe burns if not done carefully.

Safety Tips:

• Thaw meat completely and pat it dry to avoid oil splatter.
• Don't overcrowd the fryer to prevent oil overflow.
• Shut off the gas before outdoor deep frying in case of overflow.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
• Keep children away from the deep fryer.

4. Immediate Actions for Burns:

• Remove tight clothing or jewelry: Gently remove clothing, rings or bracelets in the affected area.
• Cool the burn: Hold the burn under cool (not cold) running water for 10 minutes.
• Cover with clean cloth: Use a non-stick cloth or hydrogel burn bandage.
• Pain relief: Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.

5. When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Burns:

Any degree of burn can potentially require emergency medical attention, depending on the cause, location and extent of the burn. However, third-degree burns often need immediate medical care due to their severity.

Seek immediate medical attention if the burn:

• Covers the limbs, face, hands, feet, genitals, joints or a large area.
• Looks leathery, charred, dark or white.
• Is due to chemicals or electric shock.
• Causes difficulty breathing or unconsciousness.

In any situation, if you’re unsure about the severity of a burn and don’t know if it requires medical attention, it’s always safer to consult with a healthcare professional. They will provide guidance based on the specific circumstances of the burn.

Those with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes or a compromised immune system, should always seek medical attention for even minor burns to prevent complications.

Plastic Surgery After a Burn:

When the aftermath of a burn requires plastic surgery, ask to be referred to a Bronson plastic surgeon to restore both form and function to the affected area. Our plastic surgery team will provide care from the immediate aftermath of the burn injury through the stages of healing and rehabilitation.

Plastic surgeons perform procedures that help with:

• Wound closure and skin grafts.
• Scar revision using techniques like laser therapy.
• Tissue expansion and functional reconstruction.
• Facial and hand reconstruction for emotional and functional restoration.

If you have a scar on your skin from a past burn injury that you’d like restored, contact Bronson Plastic Surgery Specialists at (269) 372-3000 for a consultation.

Learn more at bronsonplasticsurgery.com.

Find Care When You Need It

If you or a family member ever suffer a burn injury, remember it's important to take action. Call your primary care provider if you're unsure of what to do.

Bronson FastCare and Urgent Care are also available for non-emergencies and Bronson offers on-demand video visits from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Explore your options at bronsonhealth.com/needcarenow.

Established Bronson patients can also call a Bronson Care Advisor at (269) 341-7788. They can connect you to the appropriate level of care 24/7.