Scalds are generally less severe and less dangerous than burns, since scalding water cannot be above a certain temperature, which is below that of burning solids. But the danger of a burn or scald depends more on the locality and extent than on the intensity of the burn. A burn or scald may be immediately fatal, causing death by shock, or it may cause intense inflammations, especially inflammation of the kidneys, and bronchitis.
General Treatment.-The thing to avoid in all cases of burn is the application of cold water. The less the patient is interfered with the better. Unbroken blisters should be left unbroken. Carron oil (equal parts of lime-water and linseed oil) is the best application; lint saturated with it should be laid gently on, and kept applied by light bandages. If this is not procurable at once, spread on the wound ordinary cooking soda and cover with a wet cloth; or make a thick salve with white castile soap, scraped fine, and dissolved in luke-warm water, and spread on lint. For scalds of the mouth from taking hot liquids, or the bursting of a roasted chestnut, dissolve ten drops of Cantharis 3x in half a tumbler of water, and hold a little in the mouth every few minutes. If diarrhoea results it should not be interfered with.
Medicines.-(Every hour.)
Cantharis 3.-
In almost all cases, especially where there is inflammation of the kidneys.
Antimonium tart. 6.-
When bronchitis sets in.
Aconite. 3.-
Where there is much fever.
