Glue guns are a commonly used tool when doing craft projects and even some larger gluing projects as well. A common mistake that people make when using a hot glue gun is not watching what they are doing which could result in a mess or burns. If you have never taken a First Aid Class and you’re not sure what to do this information can help you. Before administering first aid for burns from a hot glue gun, it is important to know the different types of burns and the severity of each burn. There are several different types of burns, all which need to be treated differently. They are horrible injuries that can be difficult to overcome depending on the severity of the burn. Not only is the skin destroyed but depending on how deep the burn is there could be damage to the bones and deeper tissue below the surface wound.
There are two different types of burns: minor burns which are typically smaller second degree burns and first degree burns and major burns which are larger second degree burns and third degree burns. First degree burns affect the outer layer of skin and can be painful with some slight swelling, tenderness, and redness. Second degree burns is where the outer layer and the underlying layer has been affected. They are very painful, can show significant swelling, severe redness, and possible splotching. Third degree burns not only affect the outer layer and underlying layers, but also affect deep tissue and can affect as deep as to the bone. The affected area may look charred, dry, or white and can feel painless or numb due to nerve endings being severely damaged. Thermal burns and cold burns are the most common burns among the many types of burns one can get. A burn from a hot glue gun falls under a thermal burn which includes burn from fires, heated objects, and hot steam or liquids. Typically a burn from a hot glue gun is first degree burns or smaller second degree burns.
When administering first aid for burns from a hot glue gun, be aware that you are treating a minor burn. Before administering first aid remember is to wear protective gloves before touching any affected area. The first thing you must do is immediately prevent the burning process from continuing by cooling the burn area with cool running water; make sure the water temperature isn’t cold but cool. Once you have cooled down the burn, apply aloe gel or cream, burn gel, or burn ointment on the affected area after the pain subsides. Use a dry, sterile non-stick dressing to cover the burn. If the burn victim continues to experience intense pain, it may be necessary for the victim to take medication to help relieve the pain. There are many types of over the counter sprays, gels, and ointments that can also assist in soothing the pain.
While minor burns are just that, minor, they could pose for severe problems down the road if infection sets in. They can also be susceptible to tetanus; if the victim hasn’t had a tetanus shot in the past five years, they should get a tetanus shot within 48 hours after the burn occurred. Hopefully this information will help you. I encourage you to look for a First Aid Course in your area in case you need to help a loved one that has been burned.