How to Treat a Hand Burn on the Oregon Pioneer Wagon Trail

For those who want to explore the Oregon Trail, the route taken by thousands of people emigrating from the East to the Oregon Territory, there are plenty of dangers out there. From wild animals to sudden shifts in weather to and accidents while camping, there are many things that can happen. One of the most inconvenient is a hand burn. While the medicine of the 19th century recommended covering the burn in egg white, modern medicine provides for much more effective treatment of this type of wound.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Cool (not ice) water
• Basin (if necessary)
• Pain reliever (aspirin, ibuprofen acetaminophen)
• Bandages
• Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or an off-brand equivalent)

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Instructions

• 1

  Run the burn under cool water for 15 to 20 minutes. If you don't have running water on the trail, simply put the burned hand in a basin of cool water for 15 to 20 minutes.

• 2

  Remove any clothing around the burn that is not stuck to it. This could include watches, jewelery or shirt sleeves. These could constrict the arm if swelling occurs.

• 3

  Wash the burn with soap and water. Be careful not to break any of the blisters.

• 4

  Administer antibiotic ointment. This will help keep away infection.

• 5

  Cover the burn with a clean bandage. Make sure this isn't an adhesive bandage or a linty gauze. It's just meant to cover the burn. In a pinch, a sheet would work as well.

• 6

  Give the burned person a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen. Follow the directions on the container for how to administer. Avoid giving aspirin to children.

• 7

  Elevate the hand. Have the burned person lay down with their hand elevated above the heart.