By Tonya Kerr

Special to the Pflag

I recently checked in with Dr. Robert A. Skjonsby at St. David’s Urgent Care in Pflugerville.

Dr. Skjonsby said he’s treated quite a few burns from grilling accidents over the past week.

“We see things like this more in the summer months, when people are spending their time outside grilling with friends and family,” said Dr. Skjonsby. “We recently had a little girl come in with some burns because she had touched a hot grill surface. Luckily, her burns weren’t severe.”

Dr. Skjonsby said that it’s important to note that there are three kinds of burns – first-, second- and third-degree.

“First-degree burns affect the top layer of the skin. Second-degree burns usually blister and affect the first and second layer of skin,” said Skjonsby. “And third-degree burns occur when all the layers of skin have been affected and the burns have moved into the next layer of tissue.”

The first thing you want to do, according to Skjonsby, is to cool the skin with water. For first-degree burns, he said, you should cool the burned area for about five minutes, and second-degree burns should be cooled for approximately 15 minutes. Cooling the burn down will actually keep it from becoming larger.

“If the burn covers a significant part of your body or is in a sensitive area, such as the hands, feet, face or groin you should seek medical assistance,” said  Skjonsby. “Some kind of soothing, topical ointment [aloe vera or antibiotics] should be put on the burned skin and then a dressing should be placed on the burn for protection.”

Dr. Skjonsby said third-degree burns need immediate medical attention.

“First-degree burns typically take three to six days to heal, while second- degree burns typically take two to three weeks,”said Dr. Skjonsby. “Healing for third-degree burns will depend on the severity of the injuries. In some cases, skin grafts may be required, as well as rehabilitation, which will lengthen the healing process.”

Taking precautions before you turn on the grill is key, according to Dr. Skjonsby. He said to keep pets and children away, and never use gas as a starter fluid. Keep the grill open, because you don’t want gas accumulating in the grill hood. Watch for loose-fitting clothing and pull back long hair. Make sure you check the propane tank for leaks, and always shut off the valve when you’re not using it. Most importantly, make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand and nearby.