It is easy to forget that using a cigarette can cause a fire.The end of a cigarette can reach temperatures of nearly 900 C.Cigarette burns can leave a lot of scars.Knowing how to clean and treat a cigarette injury will help you relieve the immediate pain and avoid long-term health problems.
Step 1: The burned area should be placed under cool water as soon as possible.
For small areas, run the injury under cool water for 5 to 10 minutes, removing any ash and allowing the pain to go away.Place the wound in a bowl or tub of water.Remove the towel from the wound to dry it off.Don't use ice or run the water at cold temperatures.It could damage the wound further.Before washing, remove jewelry and other objects from the affected area.
Step 2: There is a cooling pack on the wound.
Wrap the wound with tissue and place a cooling pack or cold compress on it to reduce swelling.The pack should be pressed onto the burn for 10 minutes at a time.Ice could cause tissue damage if it is used to treat the wound.
Step 3: Apply the gel to the skin.
To soothe the skin without causing further irritation, apply a thin layer ofAloe Vera orVitamin E gel to the burn.Don't use butters or ointments that can cause further damage.While your skin heals, apply a small amount of either substance to the burned area twice a day to keep it hydrated and healthy.If you have open wounds, apply an antibiotic to prevent infections.
Step 4: To open wounds, apply a non-adhesive bandage.
A bandage won't be necessary for burns that have blisters.For burns with open wounds, cover the affected area in sterile non-stick gauze that's designed specifically for burns wounds.Wrap the material in a way that doesn't cut off circulation to the area.If you don't have non-stick bandages or have a large wound, you should visit a doctor to have the burn professionally dressed.
Step 5: If necessary, take pain killers.
If your burn is causing a lot of pain, over-the-counter medications may be a good solution.Ibuprofen and naproxen should relieve pain without affecting the healing process.Don't use sprays or creams that have to be applied to the wound.All label warnings should be read before taking pain killers.Before using, consult with your doctor.
Step 6: Don't touch or blisters the area.
Don't rub, scratch, or pop blisters while your burn is healing.It can delay the healing process and lead to infections.To relieve pain, apply a soothing gel to the wounds.Do not use anti-itch creams.They can cause burns.
Step 7: If you have popped blisters, apply bacitracin or honey.
If a blisters pops, apply honey or bacitracin to the affected area.Wrap the wound with a non-adhesive bandage.It will help prevent infections.If you have a doctor's prescription, you can find gauze that already has honey in it.
Step 8: It's a good idea to wear clothing that protects the skin.
To prevent scarring after burns, medical providers often order tight, form-fitting clothes.For the less severe cigarette burn, general-purpose clothes can lead to similar results.While your body heals itself, wear tight-fitting gloves, shapewear, or similar items over the affected area to serve as a top layer of skin.The kind of clothing you wear depends on the size of your wound.Talk to your doctor if you don't know what to wear.
Step 9: The burned area should be kept out of the sun.
The skin over your burn will be a different color than the rest of your body.It's best to keep it out of the sun until it has time to heal.This can be accomplished by hiding the area behind clothing.If exposure is unavoidable, cover the area with a high SPF sunscreen.