Sunflower oil burn

One of the types of thermal skin damage is a burn with sunflower oil. Let's consider its main causes, symptoms, diagnostic and treatment methods.

Unlike injuries caused by hot liquids, sunflower oil causes more serious damage. It presents a number of dangers and consequences for the victim. According to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10), thermal and chemical burns are included in the T20-T32 category:

• T20-T25 Thermal and chemical burns of external body surfaces, specified according to location. Includes: thermal and chemical burns: first degree (erythema), second degree (blisters, loss of epidermis), third degree (deep necrosis of underlying tissue, loss of all layers of skin).
• T26-T28 Thermal and chemical burns of the eye and internal organs.
• T29-T32 Thermal and chemical burns of multiple and unspecified sites.

The danger of hot oil is that its heating temperature is five times higher than the boiling point of water. Oil liquid has increased heat transfer, therefore, when it gets on the skin or mucous membranes, it concentrates at the site of damage, forming a dense film. It is very difficult to remove from the skin, therefore, not only the health, but also the appearance of the victim depends on the timeliness and correctness of first aid.

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Epidemiology

According to the World Health Organization, burns occupy a leading place among other injuries. The epidemiology of burn injuries from sunflower oil is 20-15 cases per 10,000 population. At the same time, about 28% of victims undergo long-term treatment in hospital.

Every year in the USA about 2 million people seek help with thermal wounds, in Ukraine this figure is close to 500 victims per year. In terms of prevalence and fatality rate, burns are second only to transport injuries.

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Causes sunflower oil burn

There are a number of factors that can cause thermal damage to the skin. The main causes of sunflower oil burns are related to careless handling of hot liquid:

• Occupational injuries due to failure to comply with safety regulations.
• Domestic accidents.

That is, cooks and other kitchen workers most often encounter this. Careless handling of hot oil at home is another common cause of burns, accounting for about a third of all cases. The pathological condition is especially dangerous for the elderly and children. Such victims receive extremely severe wounds, sometimes incompatible with life.

Symptoms sunflower oil burn

The manifestations of thermal damage depend on its area and the depth of tissue damage. Symptoms of a burn with sunflower oil have three stages, which are based on pathological changes. Let's consider them:

• Redness and swelling appear on the wound site. This degree is considered mild, so after the initial medical treatment the tissues gradually recover.
• The symptoms described above are accompanied by severe pain, the formation of blisters with fluid inside. Requires medical attention, but only after first aid.
• Hot oil causes necrosis of the skin and formation of dry/wet scab of brown or serous color. Medical care is required to treat such wounds. The larger the area of damage, the higher the risk of infection and development of other complications.

In addition to the stage, the symptoms of a burn also differ according to the specifics of its treatment:

• Superficial burns, in which the upper layers of the skin die. Conservative therapy and epithelialization from the remaining tissues are used to heal them.
• Deep damage requires surgical intervention to restore the skin.

In case of burns with other liquids, the fourth stage is distinguished. It is characterized by complete charring of tissues. In case of damage with sunflower oil, it is used very rarely.

First signs

There are a number of symptoms indicating thermal tissue damage. The first signs are epidermal damage of varying degrees. Aseptic inflammation with capillary paresis, hyperemia and edema of the burn area gradually develop. If the injury is serious, blisters with liquid contents or necrosis appear.

The main pathophysiological factors of sunflower oil burns:

• Intense pain from the affected area.
• Disruption of the microcirculation system in combination with a pronounced sympathoadrenal reaction.
• Hypovolemia and erythremia due to increased loss of the liquid portion of the blood from the vessels due to their permeability through the wound areas.

Changes occur both in the damaged tissues and in the entire body as a whole. The duration of the recovery period depends entirely on the severity of the wounds received.

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Complications and consequences

The possible consequences and complications depend on the severity of burn injuries. Let's take a closer look at what you might encounter with a vegetable oil burn:

• Burn disease

Occurs with deep wounds, tissue damage of more than 10%, in children and elderly patients. Due to burn injury, disturbances in the central nervous system occur, which cause pathological reactions and a number of changes in the cardiovascular, immune, endocrine, hematopoietic and other systems of the body.

Against this background, metabolic disorders occur, and burn disease develops with numerous clinical manifestations. The pathology is based on neurodystrophic processes.

• Burn shock

It is the body's response to a painful stimulus. The resulting wound causes disturbances in central and peripheral hemodynamics, microcirculation and metabolic processes. Painful irritation disrupts the functions of the central nervous system, endocrine system and the functioning of the entire body.

Shock is observed in injuries, the area of which is no more than 15% of the body surface. In terms of severity, it can be mild, severe, and extremely severe. The duration of the pathological condition is 24-72 hours. The main symptoms of recovery from shock are stabilization of all indicators, normalization of blood pressure and diuresis, reduction of tachycardia, and increase in temperature.

• Toxemia

Occurs 2-3 days after injury and lasts for 7-10 days. Due to the impact of toxic products on the body, intoxication and bacterial infection occur. Anemia, moderate hypotension, shortness of breath gradually develop, appetite decreases, and intestinal motor functions are impaired. The victim may suffer from visual hallucinations, loss of consciousness, and lethargy.

The severity of this complication depends on the nature of the burn. In dry necrosis, toxemia is easier. In wet necrosis, suppuration and severe intoxication develop quickly. Suppuration in the wound is typical for the end of the pathological condition.

• Septicotoxemia

It begins on the 10-12th day after the injury. It is characterized by the development of infectious and putrefactive processes. Staphylococcus, intestinal or pseudomonas aeruginosa can vegetate in the wound. The body reacts to the wound process with anemia, leukocytosis, progressive protein metabolism disorders and weight loss.

• Sepsis

It develops with deep burns covering more than 20% of the body surface. The main cause of sepsis is a massive microbial invasion due to a significant weakening of the immune system. The early form of the pathology is characterized by a severe course. The victim's condition deteriorates sharply within 24 hours, fever appears, body temperature and blood pressure jumps. Pulmonary edema, respiratory and cardiovascular failure quickly increase, and a fatal outcome is possible in 1-3 days.

• Generalization of infection

It can develop in the last stages of burn disease. Leukocytosis, ESR, anemia, pneumonia, secondary necrosis increase.

• Pneumonia

Occurs in 10% of victims with minor burns and in 30% with deep burns covering more than 30% of the body. Very often, pneumonia is diagnosed during burn disease.

• Scarring

Severe burns or improper treatment lead to the appearance of scars on the skin. A distinction is made between atrophic, keloid and hypertrophic scars. Post-burn scars are complicated by allergic, purulent-inflammatory or necrotic processes. The appearance of a scar may be associated with uneven wound healing or damage in a mobile area. Very often, scars remain in the shoulder and sternum area. If the victim suffers from metabolic disorders (diabetes, hypovitaminosis, atherosclerosis), the risk of scarring increases.

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Differential diagnosis

Treatment of any burns depends on the results of the conducted studies. Differential diagnostics is aimed at determining the stage of damage and the substance that caused it. The method of first aid and further treatment depend on the type of reagent. The symptoms of wounds from sunflower oil are similar to the signs of burns from other oily liquids.

Differentiation between degrees of damage is mandatory. When determining the depth of a burn, the doctor can judge the nature of the thermal factor and the time of its impact. As a rule, sunflower oil causes mild and moderate damage. But with its prolonged impact, deep wounds with necrotic tissue are possible.

Also, when determining the severity of the injury and its further outcome, attention is paid to the area of damage. For this, the area of individual anatomical regions is measured taking into account the absolute area of damage.

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Treatment sunflower oil burn

To eliminate a burn with sunflower oil, various methods are used. Treatment depends on the area of the lesion and the depth of the wounds. During therapy, the following means are used:

• Painkillers – eliminate painful sensations and reduce the sensitivity of damaged tissues. They are used as discomfort appears.
• Disinfection solutions – necessary for treating a wound to prevent microbial contamination or pollution.
• Anti-inflammatory – relieve inflammatory processes, improve tissue trophism.
• Wound healing - when damaged by sunflower oil, it is contraindicated to use oily ointments and other oil-based preparations. Therefore, the doctor selects special solutions and dry preparations with disinfecting and regenerating properties.
• Moisturizing – used at the recovery stage, prevents overdrying of the skin, accelerates tissue recovery.

All the above-described remedies are mandatory and are used consistently throughout the entire treatment period. After completing the main therapy, various herbal preparations can be used to improve the skin condition and restore its sensitivity (occurs with deep burns).

First aid for sunflower oil burns

Thermal burns cause severe pain, which can cause serious complications. First aid for a burn with sunflower oil is aimed at minimizing the pathological consequences of the wounds. Further treatment and the recovery period depend on how correctly it is provided.

First aid rules:

• The affected tissues should be washed with clean water for 15-20 minutes. This will wash away the oily liquid. It is contraindicated to use ice or cold water to cool the skin.
• The burnt area should not be wiped with a towel, that is, you should not try to wipe off the oil.
• After washing, a clean gauze bandage with a disinfectant solution should be applied to the wound. This will prevent the skin from drying out and becoming infected.

In case of large, severe or deep burns, it is necessary to call an ambulance. Treatment of such injuries is carried out in a hospital. The doctor performs surgical treatment, removes necrotic tissue and makes a further treatment plan.

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Medicines

Various medications are used to treat burns. The doctor selects the medications based on the degree of damage, volume, location and depth. Let's look at the main medications for eliminating burns with sunflower oil:

1. Fusimet

An antibiotic with antimicrobial activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Stimulates regeneration processes at the cellular level, accelerating healing times. Intended for external use. Penetrates into the deep layers of affected skin areas, is practically not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream.

• Indications for use: burns of I-III-IV degree (most often used in the second phase of the wound healing process), purulent-inflammatory skin diseases, pyoderma, furunculosis, impetigo, sycosis, deep wounds.
• Contraindicated for use in case of individual intolerance to the components of the ointment, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for the treatment of children and leukemia.
• The dosage and duration of use depend on the doctor's instructions. In case of burns, the ointment is applied 1-2 times a day 2-3 times a week in a thin layer to the wound area. The average duration of therapy is 10-14 days, in particularly severe cases longer use is possible - up to 21 days. In case of overdose, local allergic reactions occur: itching, burning, hyperemia.

2. Levosulfamethacine

An analgesic, antimicrobial agent with anti-inflammatory action. It is used to treat burns and suppurations in the first phase of the wound healing process. The ointment is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to levomycetin. The agent is applied to gauze napkins and applied to the wound. Dressings are carried out daily until the affected area is completely cleared of inflamed or necrotic tissue.

3. Dermazin

An antimicrobial agent with the active ingredient - sulfadiazine derivative of silver. Slows down the growth and reproduction of pathogens.

• Indications for use: treatment of burn injuries, prevention of burn infection, trophic ulcers, secondary infection in case of tissue trophic disorders. The cream can be applied both under a bandage and directly to the wound. Before use, it is recommended to perform surgical treatment of the wound area. The product is applied in a 2-4 mm layer, 1-2 times a day until the wound is completely healed.
• Contraindicated for use in children under 2 years of age, during pregnancy and lactation, and in case of intolerance to the active components.
• Side effects: local allergic reactions (burning, itching, swelling), erythema multiforme, leukopenia, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, various CNS disorders, hepatitis, toxic nephrosis. Similar symptoms are observed in case of overdose.

4. Panthenol

Participates in intracellular metabolic processes, accelerates the regeneration of damaged skin and mucous membranes. It is quickly absorbed and enters the systemic bloodstream. It is excreted unchanged in urine and feces.

• Indications for use: treatment of thermal and sunburn, aseptic postoperative wounds, dermatitis of various etiologies. For ease of application, the medicine is available in the form of a spray. Before applying it to the skin, shake the can a couple of times. The product is used 1-2 times a day, the duration of treatment depends on the severity of pathological symptoms.
• Side effects: local allergic reactions, which most often develop with increased sensitivity to the drug. In case of overdose, toxic side effects appear.

5. Synthomycin emulsion

Homogeneous liniment with a powerful antimicrobial effect. Stops the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, causing their death. Indications for use: burns of any stage, purulent-inflammatory lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, infected burns, poorly healing wounds and ulcers.

Contraindicated for use in case of extensive burn injuries, fungal skin diseases. Not recommended for pregnant women and people with renal or hepatic insufficiency. The preparation is applied in a thin layer 1-3 times a day until the wound is completely healed.

Folk remedies

Trauma to the skin and mucous membranes with sunflower oil is quite common in everyday life. Traditional treatment is one of the types of therapy aimed at restoring damaged tissue. If the wound is not large and not deep, then the following traditional recipes are suitable for its treatment:

• Wash and chop a couple of fresh white cabbage leaves thoroughly. Mix the resulting gruel with a raw egg white. Apply the mixture to the damaged surface in a thick layer, covering it with a bandage or a piece of strong fabric.
• If a blister appears at the site of the burn, an ointment made from a spoon of vegetable oil, 1 egg yolk and 2 spoons of sour cream will do the trick. The product is applied under a bandage, which is changed 2 times a day until completely healed.
• Soak gauze in fresh yogurt and apply to the burn. After the fabric dries, you need to repeat the procedure.
• Peel and chop the raw potatoes. Spread the resulting gruel on a bandage and apply to the wound. Instead of potatoes, you can use carrots, a compress from which is prepared according to the same principle.
• Make a strong brew of black tea and soak gauze in it. Apply the compress to the burnt surface for 2-3 hours a day.
• At the healing stage, for better tissue restoration, you can use a special herbal ointment. Mix sea buckthorn and fir oil in equal proportions, apply to the skin 1-3 times a day.

All the above recipes are used if the integrity of the skin is not damaged at the site of injury. If blisters with liquid appear, it is better to consult a doctor.

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Herbal treatment

When treating burns with oily liquids, various methods are used. Herbal treatment is an alternative medicine that is best used at the healing stage, provided that the skin is not damaged.

Let's look at some popular herbal recipes:

• Scald 100 g of meadow clover flowers with boiling water and cool. Apply the vegetable gruel to the wound and cover with a bandage. The liquid in which the clover was scalded can be used for lotions.
• Take aloe leaves, wash them, chop them and squeeze out the juice. Soak gauze in the resulting gruel and apply to the burn, securing with a bandage. The compress should be changed every 2-3 hours.
• If the pain is severe, you can use calendula ointment. To prepare it, mix Vaseline and calendula tincture in equal proportions. The medicine should be applied to the burns 2-3 times a day.
• Another remedy for pain from thermal injuries is St. John's wort ointment. Pour 250 ml of purified vegetable oil over 100 g of dry St. John's wort. The remedy should be infused in a dark, cool place for two weeks. Stir the mixture while infusing. Apply 1-2 times a day to eliminate discomfort and speed up healing.
• Mix 100 g of butter with 20 g of linseed oil and 40 g of beeswax. All ingredients must be boiled over low heat for 5 minutes to completely dissolve them. The ointment is applied to a bandage and applied to the wound.

Before using the above recipes, you should consult with your doctor. This will help avoid infection of the burn surface.

Homeopathy

Another alternative treatment for burns is homeopathy. It has a controversial reputation, as not all doctors agree with its healing properties. Therefore, to use it, you need to contact a homeopathic doctor, who will select a medicine based on the extent of damage and its nature.

Let's look at the main homeopathic remedies used for thermal burns from sunflower oil:

First stage (redness, swelling):

• Arnica – the skin became red, painful sensations and burning appeared.
• Apis – the pain has become burning, the skin is light red, there is swelling.
• Cantharis – intense painful sensations, burns of any localization.
• Belladonna – the wound is bright red, the pain is pulsating.

Stage 2 (fluid filled blisters):

• Cantharis – wounds with burning pain, blisters on the skin of the face and other sensitive parts of the body.
• Urtica urens – pain is accompanied by itching and burning, swelling and blisters appear.
• Apis – the skin is light red, swollen, there is a burning sensation and blisters with fluid.
• Rhus tox – blisters tend to suppurate, severe pain.

Third stage (necrosis of affected tissues):

• Arsenicum album – burning pain, blackened skin, blisters and swelling.
• Aconitum – elimination of shock and panic, which very often accompany edema.

The dosage and duration of the course of treatment are individual for each patient. If the area of the injury is more than 2-3 centimeters, then before contacting a homeopath, it is worth visiting a surgeon. The doctor will prescribe a number of medications to speed up the recovery process.

Prevention

Prevention of burns of any origin is aimed at observing safety precautions. Prevention involves careful handling of oily liquids and other flammable substances that can cause tissue damage.

• Do not leave containers with hot oil unattended, especially if there are children in the house.
• Do not add water to hot sunflower oil.
• When working in the kitchen, wear special clothing (apron, cap) that will protect vital parts of the body.

If a burn does occur, place the damaged area under running water for 20 minutes. If necessary, seek medical attention, this will reduce the risk of possible complications of thermal injury.

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Forecast

In case of burn injuries of minor area and mild stage, the prognosis is favorable. If the injury is accompanied by burn shock, then its outcome is more serious. The healing time of wounds from oil directly depends on the depth, area and localization of the lesion. The prognosis is based on the timeliness and correctness of first aid and further treatment.

A 1st degree sunflower oil burn with extensive skin damage heals within 2 weeks. More serious 2nd and 3rd degree injuries heal longer, from 2 weeks to several months. They can be complicated by infection, suppuration and, subsequently, scarring.

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