As more people work out indoors, treadmill burns are becoming more common.They happen when your leg rubs against the treadmill belt.These can be painful and nasty, but don't worry!First-aid tips for treadmill burns can be found here.
Step 1: Run the water for 20 minutes after the burn has been washed.
You should do this after you get burned.Keep the affected area under the faucet for at least 10 minutes.The burn is cooled by the water and the debris is washed away.Don't use cold water on the burn.The skin could be damaged even more if the temperature is too low.It's never a good idea to put butter or toothpaste on a burn.The trap heat will make the burn worse.
Step 2: There is a burn and you should remove clothing and jewelry around it.
These things can cut off circulation to the area.Keep the burn clean and free of dirt by taking off anything around it.Don't remove anything that is stuck to the burn.This will cause more damage.A doctor can remove it when it's attached.
Step 3: If the skin is not broken, cover the burn with a cloth or a pad.
The area should be protected.If the skin is broken or the cloth sticks to the burn, don't do this.Plastic wrap can be used to cover the burn until you get medical attention.If you use something, make sure it's clean.You could cause a serious infection if you don't.
Step 4: If you have a large burn or broken skin, you should seek medical attention.
It's fine to treat small or minor burns at home.If the burn is larger than a quarter, you should see a doctor.If you have a burn on your face, it's a good idea to get a medical professional to look at it.You should see your doctor as soon as possible.In most cases, the doctor will give instructions for home care after inspecting the burn.Sometimes a treadmill burn can be serious enough to need skin transplant.
Step 5: Clean water will wash the burn.
In the morning and evening, remove the bandage and hold your burn under the water.Don't scrub the burn, just let the water flow over it.It should remove dirt and prevent infections.To dry the burn, gently rub it with a clean towel.Unless your doctor tells you to, don't use soap or alcohol to clean your wound.They can make the burn take longer to heal.
Step 6: To keep the burn moist, apply a thin layer of liquid.
This can help the burn heal faster and prevent scarring.Before putting on a bandage, rub a small amount onto the burn.If you want to prevent an infection, you could use an anti-bacterial cream.
Step 7: The burn should be covered with a clean bandage or gauze pad.
Place a fresh bandage over the burn when you washed and dried it.It's best to use a sterile gauze pad.The sides of the burn should be secured with medical tape.This protects the burn from getting infections.Make sure the sticky part of the bandage isn't touching the burn.If it is, it will be very painful to take it off.Don't use packing tape or duct tape because it would be painful to remove.Every time you wash the burn, use a fresh bandage.
Step 8: Pick at blisters and avoid popping them.
If it was a nasty burn, treadmill burns tend to cause blisters.Leave the blisters alone.Picking at them could cause an injury to your skin.It is normal for blisters to leak by themselves.Don't pick at the skin if the blister opens.It should be washed with soap and water every day, dry it, and cover it with a non-stick bandage.
Step 9: To make yourself more comfortable, take an OTC pain reliever.
Pain medication should be used if the burn hurts while it heals.Follow the instructions on the package for taking over-the-counter pain killers.
Step 10: Call your doctor if the burn seems bad.
Increased redness, swelling, and pain are signs of an infection.It could take longer than 10 days for the burn to heal.Call your doctor if you notice any of these signs.Don't worry if the burn gets infections.An antibiotic will be given to you by the doctor.
Step 11: The treadmill should be placed away from walls.
A serious burn could occur if you get caught between the treadmill belt and the wall.To avoid accidents like this, leave a lot of free space on the treadmill.A general recommendation is to leave 6.5 ft of space behind the treadmill and 1.5 ft on either side.If there are children or pets around, it is important that they don't get caught in the belt.
Step 12: Before you start, make sure your shoelaces are tightly tied.
You could get caught in the treadmill belt if your shoelaces are loose.Before you start running, make sure your laces are tight.If your shoelaces become untied at any point during your workout, stop the treadmill and wait for the belt to stop moving, then re-tie them.If your pants are too long, they could get caught in the belt.
Step 13: You can set the treadmill to run fast.
If you do too much on the treadmill, you could fall.You don't want to hurt yourself if you keep the speed at a manageable level.Gradually increase the speed when you do.Take it easy at your top speed.
Step 14: Attach the safety clip to your shirt while you run.
If you pull the treadmill out too far, the safety clip will bring it to a stop.It is an important safety feature so be sure to clip it to your shirt when you use the treadmill.If you can't stay forward enough to avoid triggering the shut-off, then you have the speed set too high.If you want to stay close to the front of the treadmill, lower the speed a bit.
Step 15: The treadmill must come to a complete stop before it leaves.
It is tempting to leave the treadmill as soon as you are done.Even if the belt is moving slowly, you could lose your balance and fall.Continue walking until the belt stops completely, then step off safely.