Thanksgiving is a day for quality time with family, and, ideally, not ending up in a burn center.
Dr. Syed Saquib with the UC Irvine Burn Center told KNX News’ Pete Demetriou that the kitchen is where most emergencies and injuries happen.
“It's cooking-related injuries so anything such as fire, hot oil, or grease burns,” he said.
What happens if you do get burned? Dr. Saquib said minor burns should be cooled with water, and then petroleum jelly and a gauze bandage should be applied to the affected area.
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He also listed severe side effects that require you to make that trip to the hospital.
“If you start to see that your skin is blistering or skin is peeling off, that's a reason to seek medical attention,” he said. “If the burn that you sustain looks pale white, as a thick and leathery texture that may be concerning for a third-degree burn and requires medical attention sooner rather than later. If you have just uncontrollable pain - because burns can hurt - that is a reason to seek medical attention sooner rather than later.
He added there are plenty of precautions people can take to avoid a hospital visit.
“Make sure that you don't leave any stove unattended and make sure that if you have young kids or cats that they are adequately supervised,” he said.
He also urged those in the kitchen to avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing, having a small lid on hand in case of a small grease fire, and turning off the oven when it’s not being used.
If you plan to fry your turkey, Dr. Saquib recommends doing that outside and away from buildings.
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