After many weekends of awful weather, we finally have bright, warm, sunny days — a perfect time to relax outside.
But there’s one hazard on your deck that could trigger a trip to the emergency room: your barbecue.
In a University of Minnesota press release, Andrew Zinkel, MD, MBA, of the University of Minnesota Medical School, explains proper cooking techniques, safety guidelines, types of burns and how to treat them. The information was presented in a question-and-answer format as part of “Talking…with U of M.” Here are some highlights:
Q: How can I avoid potential burn risks this summer?
Dr. Zinkel: The most common safety risks associated with grilling are minor or severe burns, but there are ways to mitigate these risks. Always grill outdoors, away from homes, decks, or overhanging branches, and establish a safe perimeter for pets and children. This should be at least three feet away for grills.
Never leave your grill unattended. For propane grills, the first time you use your grill for the season, use a mixture of soap and water to check for bubbles (a sign of a leak). The mixture should be applied to the entire length of the hose connecting the propane source to the grill, and the line should be tested each season.
If using lighter fluid, use only charcoal lighter fluid; never add charcoal lighter fluid or any other flammable liquid to the fire.
Q: What are the differences between first, second and third degree burns?
Dr. Zinkel: Burns are described in degrees that correspond to the depth of the skin layer based on a clinical diagnosis. First-degree burns are red, painful, and tender without blistering. Second-degree burns are divided into superficial burns and deep partial-thickness burns. In superficial partial-thickness burns, the skin is blistered. The exposed dermis is red and moist at the base of the blister and is painful to the touch. In deep partial-thickness burns, the skin may be blistered, the exposed dermis is pale white to yellow, and the burned area is painless. Third-degree burns are charred, pale, painless, and leathery. Pain is absent and skin grafting is required for treatment, resulting in significant scarring.
Q: What should I do if I burn myself? What can I do to treat it myself?
Dr. Zinkel: Many first- and second-degree partial-thickness burns can be treated at home. Partial-thickness refers to a layer preceding a full-thickness burn, and it can be classified as superficial and deep. The goal is to control pain first. Clean the burn with mild soap and water or dilute it with an antiseptic solution. Blisters can be left intact or drained, depending on their size and location. Keep the wound covered with a clean, dry dressing and change it twice daily to prevent infection. Burns to extremities, such as the hands or feet, should be elevated for 24 to 48 hours to prevent swelling.
Q: When do burns warrant a hospital visit?
Dr. Zinkel: Burns that warrant a hospital visit are those that are deep second-degree burns, deep third-degree burns, or pain that is not controlled by over-the-counter medications. Hospitalization is required for burns affecting the hands, face, feet, perineum, and major joints, as well as circumferential wounds that encompass areas such as the fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, legs, neck, chest, or abdomen. These wounds can leave scars that can reduce blood flow to areas farther from the core body. Additionally, they can have devastating consequences, including amputation and difficulty breathing, if not treated appropriately and followed closely in a clinical setting.
