Oil burn

A more complex and severe lesion of the mucous membrane and skin is an oil burn.

In most cases, an oil burn is a thermal injury to the cells of the epidermis or mucous membrane. A burn can be caused by exposure to temperatures above 55 - 60 degrees Celsius.

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Causes oil burn

There are several reasons why oil burns occur:

1. Careless handling of hot oil.
2. Use of high concentrations of aromatic oils.

Pathogenesis

It is important to remember that oil can ignite at high temperatures, which adds to the risk of fire.

Due to its higher boiling point and viscosity, oil causes serious harm to the human body. If boiling water captures more of the surface layers, then oil affects the deep layers of the epidermis and dermis. This fact is also related to the fact that oil is harder to remove from the skin surface, which increases the time of its destructive effect on the human body.

During the period of thermal damage, the permeability of blood vessels increases, which facilitates better penetration of various serum and protein macromolecules into the affected area. This explains the swelling of damaged structures.

If the burn lesion covers more than a third of the body surface, the inflammatory reaction also affects undamaged tissue.

If we imagine a diagram of a burn wound, the greatest destruction (death) of cells, nerve endings and blood vessels is observed in the center, gradually weakening towards the edges of the burn area.

Oil burns are especially dangerous for children and the elderly. Statistics show that two thirds of all cases of thermal injury occur at home.

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Symptoms oil burn

Symptoms that appear when skin is burned by oil:

1. Hyperemia of the skin.
2. Sharp pain, even to the point of pain shock.
3. The appearance of blisters filled with clear liquid.
4. Necrosis of the skin, and in case of deep damage - of dermal cells, nerve fibers and blood vessels.
5. Burning.
6. Peeling.
7. Carbonization of tissues.
8. Formation of erythema.
9. Impaired sensitivity.
10. Swelling of the affected area.

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First signs

In the first seconds of the injury, the victim may not even feel pain, and sharp pain is possible, leading to loss of consciousness. The affected area acquires a red tint. These are the first signs that can be observed with an oil burn.

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Oil burn blister

If a blister forms on the surface of the skin from an oil burn, this indicates a severe form of damage, which corresponds to grade II or III.

It is very important not to damage the blister, thereby opening access for infection and pathogenic flora into the body. The blister contains a transparent liquid that plays a protective antimicrobial and anti-infective role. If it bursts on its own, the skin is left on, it will continue to serve as protection against infection.

Hot oil burn

According to the intensity of thermal exposure, thermal burns are divided into low-temperature - from 45 ^° C to 100 ^° C (burn with hot oil) and high-temperature - from 100 ^° C to 160 ^° C and higher (burn with boiling oil).

When burned with hot oil, the victim usually receives first and second degree injuries.

• I degree is a superficial violation of tissue integrity. Basically, necrosis affects epidermal cells up to the basal layer. Mostly, it takes up to two weeks for such a burn to heal.
• II degree – more severe damage. The cells of the epidermis and various structures of the dermis are destroyed. Such burns heal slowly, leaving scars. In this case, you cannot do without treatment, such a wound will not heal on its own.

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Burn from boiling oil

If the temperature of the oil is close to its boiling point, a burn from boiling oil causes severe damage to the victim's body:

• III degree – death of cells throughout the thickness of the entire epidermis and dermis. Blood vessels and nerve fibers are subject to destruction. In the first seconds after receiving a burn, a narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction) is observed, followed by their rapid expansion (dilation), which leads to their rupture.

On the surface of the burn, you can see dead tissue covered with a moist grayish or dry black-brown scab - a formation of coagulated blood, pus and dead tissue.

There is also stage IV burns from boiling oil, but they are extremely rare. They are characterized by the destruction of muscle and bone tissue. The probability of a fatal outcome is high.

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Sunflower oil burn

Medical statistics note that the cause of injury in our area of residence in most cases is a burn with sunflower oil. The boiling point of refined sunflower oil is 150 - 200 ^o C, unrefined sunflower oil - 120 - 150 ^o C. Depending on the temperature of the plant product and the duration of its contact with human skin, we get the severity of the injury.

Tea tree oil burn or fir oil burn

Today, aromatic oils are often used for medicinal purposes. If they are used incorrectly or the oil itself is of low quality, you can get a burn, for example, from tea tree oil or fir oil (other essential oils).

If the burn is not thermal, the symptoms of the injury include hyperemia, pain, burning, drying and peeling of the epidermis.

The severity of such damage is equivalent to a first-degree burn and requires appropriate treatment.

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Complications and consequences

In case of severe damage to the body due to a burn, untimely or incorrect provision of first aid, severe consequences and complications of oil burns are possible. On their basis, the following may develop:

• Endogenous intoxication syndrome.
• Burn infection and burn sepsis.
• Hypovolemia.
• Hypervolemia.
• Metabolic acidosis.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Acute hypertension.
• Hypernatremia.
• Hyperkalemia.
• Hypocalcemia.
• Hypomagnesemia.
• Hypophosphatemia.
• Myocardial infarction.
• Arrhythmias.
• Electrolyte loss and acid imbalance.
• Myocarditis and endocarditis.
• Damage to the respiratory tract.
• Atalectasis and pneumonia.
• Hydrothorax.
• Adrenal insufficiency.
• Respiratory distress syndrome.
• Pneumothorax.
• Deficiency of oxygen in the blood.
• Anemia.
• Oliguria.
• Leukopenia.
• Thrombocytopenia.
• Coagulopathy.
• Ulcerative lesion of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
• Intestinal obstruction (mainly in children with a large area of burn damage).
• Hyperglycemic syndrome.

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Diagnostics oil burn

The actual diagnosis of oil burns consists of differential diagnostics of the severity of the damage to the body, the observed complications and concomitant diseases.

In this case, the doctor evaluates:

1. Area of damage.
2. Depth of damage.
3. The presence of infection, purulent process.
4. Are there any symptoms of burn disease with further development of burn shock?

To assess the severity of the injury, the doctor uses a prognostic index (PII), which is established based on the depth and area of the area affected by the burn.

The calculation of the ITP is based on the percentage of the affected area of the body: one to four points are assigned for each percentage. An aggravating factor is the burn damage to the respiratory system: if the respiratory tract is not affected, 15 points can be assigned; if they are affected, this figure doubles.

Differential diagnostics of oil burns allows us to determine the degree of severity:

1. Mild – the affected area is less than 15% of the victim’s body area, the depth does not exceed 5%, the respiratory tract is not damaged.
2. Average - the affected area is less than 20% of the victim’s body area, depth does not exceed 10%.
3. Severe - the affected area exceeds 20% of the victim's body area, the depth exceeds 10%, the respiratory tract is damaged by a burn.
4. Agonizing condition - the damage exceeds 60% of the victim's body area, the depth of the burn wound exceeds 50%, the respiratory tract is damaged by the burn.

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Treatment oil burn

The treatment protocol depends on the established degree of damage to the patient's body due to an oil burn.

If the lesion is classified as mild, the healing process occurs on its own. No doctor's intervention is required. Usually healing takes 3-5 days, no scars are formed.

When diagnosing stage II damage, tissue regeneration takes several weeks, and a scar may form. A physician or surgeon may prescribe medications to speed up the tissue regeneration process, painkillers, and antiseptics.

A third-degree oil burn cannot be cured without medical therapy. In this situation, skin grafting surgery may be required.

If the burn affects the eye, then consultation and examination by a specialist is mandatory even with minor damage to the sclera.

Physiotherapeutic procedures may be prescribed: ultrasound therapy, magnetic therapy, mud therapy.

In case of a fourth degree burn or the patient’s agonizing state, intensive resuscitation is carried out.

In case of severe damage, medical assistance should be provided on site: the patient is given a solution of omnopon or promedol. It is recommended to give the victim at least half a liter of water to drink, in which a quarter teaspoon of sodium chloride (table salt) and a quarter teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) have been dissolved (infusion therapy).

It is necessary to give the victim 1-2 g of acetylsalicylic acid and 50 mg of diphenhydramine.

After the patient is taken to the hospital, the following is administered intravenously:

• 5% sodium bicarbonate solution – 200 – 250 ml.
• Polyglucin – 0.4 – 0.8 l (anti-shock drug with pronounced hemodynamic effect).
• 5% glucose solution – 0.5 – 1 l.
• Corglycon - 1 ml.
• Hydrocortisone hemisuccinate – 0.2 g.
• If signs of pulmonary edema appear - 25-50 ml of pentamine.

In such a situation, surgical dissection of the affected area may be indicated to induce bleeding. The wound is treated and a sterile bandage is applied. After the patient is brought out of a serious condition, symptomatic treatment and tetanus prophylaxis are continued.

Constant monitoring of the patient's condition is necessary.

What to do in case of an oil burn at home?

If the injury occurred at home, the first thing to do is to provide the victim with first aid. If the patient is able to move, you can take him to the emergency room yourself. If the condition is serious, you need to call an ambulance.

First Aid for Oil Burns

First aid consists of a number of measures that must be taken in case of an oil burn.

1. If the victim is in serious condition: assess the airway patency, bone condition. The victim may not be touched. Call emergency medical assistance.
2. First, the affected area should be held under cold running water. This will reduce the temperature of contact of the oil with the skin and prevent further destruction of cells. The pain will also decrease. Hold for 20-30 minutes.
3. If this action is difficult to do, a cryocompress will do - cold water or ice from the refrigerator.
4. Clothing attached to the burned epidermis should not be torn off; if necessary, it should be cut around the wounds.
5. After cooling, blot the burn site with a waffle towel or gauze; it is strictly forbidden to use a terry towel or cotton wool for drying (lint may get into the wound).
6. Treat the area around the burn with an antiseptic. Remove foreign bodies from the burn area.
7. In case of mild hyperemia and absence of blisters, the affected area should be treated with a special preparation (for example, pentanol aerosol). It should not be covered with a sterile napkin.
8. If a more severe degree of damage is observed, cover the wound with a sterile napkin, secure with a soft cloth or bandage and contact a specialized clinic for further medical care.

Correctly provided first aid for an oil burn will prevent infection of the affected area and tissue necrosis.

Common mistakes when providing first aid for an oil burn:

1. You should not apply cold vegetable oil or chicken protein to the wound - you can infect the affected area.
2. For the same reason, you should not puncture any blisters that appear.
3. Clean the affected wound without using anesthetic or sterile dressing material.
4. Incorrect application of the bandage.
5. Use of a tourniquet unless absolutely necessary.
6. You cannot treat a burn with vegetable oil or greasy cream.

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Oil Burn Remedies

The most commonly used remedies for oil burns are:

The following are used as antiseptics: alcohol-free forms of iodine (iodopyrone solution), hydrogen peroxide.

To improve tissue regeneration the following may be prescribed: pentanol, solcoseryl, dimexide, solcotrichovac, olazol, betadine, solotik, dioxizol darnitsa, solo aqua, miramistin-darnitsa.

The most convenient form of panthenol to use is a spray. Shake the can of medicine well before use. Apply the medicine holding the container vertically. The valve-dispenser should be on top. The medicine is sprayed on the damaged area 3-5 times a day. The duration of the course of therapy depends on the severity of the lesion and the effectiveness of the treatment.

The container with panthenol must not be used near an open fire or allowed to heat up intensely. It is not allowed to throw the used cylinder into the fire when disposing of it.

Panthenol is approved for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

One of the side effects of using pentanol may be the manifestation of symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Shake Olazol spray well before applying to skin. Remove the cap - fuse and apply a thin layer to the burnt area. The number of daily procedures is 1 - 2.

The duration of therapy is from a week to a month.

Olazol spray is not prescribed for individuals with individual intolerance to chloramphenicol or other components of the composition, for kidney dysfunction, for women during pregnancy and lactation.

During the period of use, Olazol spray can cause side effects in the form of:

1. Allergic reaction of the body:
   • Dry skin.
   • Itching.
   • Hyperemia of the skin.
   • Rash.
2. Oliguria.
3. Nausea.
4. Diarrhea.
5. Vomiting.
6. Convulsions.
7. Headache.
8. Confusion of consciousness.
9. Rarely – a state of shock.

Dioxizol - Darnitsa is prescribed externally, locally, after sanitized treatment of the burn area (exudate and necrotic tissue areas are removed).

Sterile gauze in several layers is soaked in the medicine and applied to the affected area. A sterile dressing material is fixed on top with adhesive tape or bandage. The compress is changed once a day for one to two weeks.

Dioxizol - Darnitsa can cause side effects: bradycardia, arterial hypertension, depression, dermatitis, neurosis, allergic reaction.

Dioxizol - Darnitsa is not prescribed in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the composition, cardiogenic shock, decreased heart rate, pregnancy and lactation, AV block II - III degree, decreased heart rate, as well as in childhood or adolescence of the patient.

Betadine is prescribed both in the form of an ointment and a solution for external use.

The preparation is applied in a form heated to a temperature of 35 - 36 ^o C. The ointment is applied directly to the wound. The solution (diluted or concentrated) is applied to a sterile dressing material applied to the wound. The dressing is changed once or twice a day for two weeks.

Contraindications to the use of betadine include a history of endemic goiter, Duhring's dermatitis herpetiformis, hyperthyroidism, renal failure, colloid nodular goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, individual hypersensitivity to iodine or other components of betadine, and childhood under one year of age.

Betadine may cause side effects: hyperthyroidism and/or allergic reaction to the drug. Rarely – anaphylactic shock, psoriasis-like dermatitis, electrolyte imbalance, development of acute renal failure.

Anti-inflammatory drugs: ketoprofen, ketorolac. To relieve pain, the doctor may prescribe paracetamol, perfalgan. In case of pain shock, stronger narcotic analgesics are prescribed: morphine, omnopon, promedol.

Ointment for oil burns

Preferably, for skin lesions of I-II degree caused by oil burns, ointments are prescribed: syntomycin ointment, levomekol, actovegin, vocadin, eplan, levosin, rescuer, dioxycol, furacilin ointment, dermazin.

Levosin is heated to body temperature and sterile cloth (napkin or gauze in several layers) is soaked in it. The application is applied to the burn-affected area after cleaning the wound from pus and necrotic tissue. If the purulent cavities are significant in size, then after their sanitization the preparation can be injected into them using a syringe.

Contraindication to the use of the ointment is hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Dermazin can be applied directly to a sterile wound or to a napkin that will cover the burned area. The preparation is applied in a 2-4 mm layer along the edges of the wound. The procedure is carried out 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the rate of tissue regeneration.

The use of the drug in treatment can cause the appearance of side effects: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, dyspepsia, hepatitis, allergies, leukopenia, skin pigmentation disorders, hepatocellular necrosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis.

Dermazin is not prescribed for hypersensitivity of the body to silver compounds, sulfonamides and other components of the drug.

Levomekol is prescribed externally. The ointment, heated to a temperature of 35 - 36 ^o C, is applied in a thin layer to a multi-layer sterile gauze or napkin. The application is made to a previously cleaned wound. In the presence of abscesses, after surgical treatment, the ointment can also be introduced into purulent cavities.

Contraindications to the use of Levomekol ointment include hypersensitivity to the composition of the drug.

Possible side effects of the drug are symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Solcoseryl is prescribed for local use and is applied directly to the wound. In case of purulent wounds, surgical treatment of the burn is necessary before treatment with Solcoseryl. The gel is applied to a fresh wound, ulcers, in a thin layer twice or three times a day. At the beginning of epithelialization (granulation of tissue), it is advisable to switch to an ointment, which is applied in a thin layer once or twice a day. Put a sterile bandage on top.

In case of severe burns, it is recommended to take the parenteral form of solcoseryl together with the ointment.

The use of the drug can cause a number of side effects: marginal dermatitis, rash, burning and itching.
Solcoseryl is not prescribed if the patient has a history of hypersensitivity to one of the components of the drug. With caution for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Rescuer ointment is applied to a clean and dried surface. The tube with the preparation is pre-warmed in the hands, bringing it to body temperature. The wound is covered with a sterile bandage on top. The number of procedures is 2-4 times a day.

Contraindications for the use of the ointment include hypersensitivity to the composition of the drug, the presence of a chronic wound process. Pregnancy and lactation are not contraindications for women to use the Rescuer ointment.

Side effects: burning, itching, rash, hyperemia of the epidermis, exacerbation of the inflammatory process.

Folk remedies

In case of a mild or moderate degree of oil burn, but as an auxiliary therapy, folk treatment can be used. We are ready to offer several from a huge list of recipes that allow you to relieve pain and inflammation, activate the process of cell regeneration and protect against infection.

Recipe No. 1 – you can apply crushed pumpkin pulp or raw potato pulp to the wound.

Recipe No. 2 – egg and sour cream mixture:

1. Prepare the “medicine” by mixing the yolk of one egg, 2 tablespoons of sour cream and 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil.
2. Apply a thick layer to the burnt area and cover with a sterile bandage.
3. The procedure is performed once a day.

Recipe #3 – Potato and honey dressing:

1. Chop the raw potatoes and take 100 g of the pulp.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix well.
3. Apply the “medicine” to a sterile multi-layer gauze or napkin.
4. Apply to the burn and leave for a couple of hours, securing with a soft cloth.
5. Carefully remove any residue.
6. This procedure is carried out several times a day.

Recipe No. 4 – tea leaves (both black and green varieties are suitable):

1. Brew strong tea.
2. Cool to 13–15 °C.
3. Apply gauze soaked in tea leaves.
4. As it dries, renew the gauze.
5. This procedure is carried out several times a day for one to two weeks.

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Herbal treatment

Herbal treatment cannot be ruled out. For oil burns, infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs such as Veronica officinalis, aloe leaves, Kalanchoe, eucalyptus, oak bark, ivy, stinging nettle, red clover, sea buckthorn, and cabbage leaves are suitable.

Several effective recipes:

Recipe No. 1 – aloe or Kalanchoe juice:

1. Cut off a leaf of the plant, wash and dry it.
2. Cut off the tough top layer.
3. Apply the leaf to the wound and secure with a bandage.

This recipe also works well when a purulent process is developing. Kalanchoe leaves perfectly draw pus out of the wound.

Recipe No. 2 – Veronica officinalis tincture:

1. Pour 200–250 ml of boiling water over 20 g of dry and crushed product.
2. Cool and use for wound treatment.

Recipe No. 3 – oak bark decoction:

1. Pour 200–250 ml of boiling water over 40 g of dry and crushed product.
2. Boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Insist until cool.
4. Use as a wound healing compress.

Recipe No. 4 – decoction of medicinal collection:

1. Take one tablespoon of St. John's wort and calendula flowers, 2 tablespoons of white lily flowers and blueberry leaves. Mix all ingredients well.
2. Pour half a liter of sunflower oil over the mixture.
3. Leave in a dark place for nine days.
4. Strain and use the liquid to wash the burn area.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic preparations show good results in healing burns with oil. Depending on the degree of damage, a homeopathic doctor may suggest:

For first degree burns - a preparation of apis and belladonna.

In the form of peas, the medicine is prescribed as 3 belladonna peas and 3 apis peas, taken three times a day.

Externally, ointments prepared from these plants are used.

A contraindication to the use of belladonna and apis preparations may be an individual intolerance of the patient's body to the plant product.

While using the drug, side effects in the form of allergy symptoms may occur.

For second degree burns - the medicinal product cantharis and belladonna.

In the form of peas, the drug is prescribed 3 peas of belladonna and 3 peas of cantharis, taken 3-4 times a day. Homeopathic treatment is carried out as an auxiliary method of standard traditional therapy.

Preparations of cantharis and belladonna are not prescribed if the body is hypersensitive to these plants.

During treatment, side effects in the form of allergy symptoms may occur.

In the case of third-degree burns, homeopathic medicines are usually not prescribed. Stronger medicines prescribed by traditional medicine are needed here.

Prevention

Prevention of burns, particularly oil burns, is very important. Experts give several simple tips that can protect against this:

1. Do not leave hot oil unattended, especially if a child is playing nearby.
2. You should not use low quality scented oils.
3. When treating with essential oils, dilute before use in the ratio recommended by the manufacturer.

To avoid burning with essential oil, you should follow certain rules:

1. Never apply concentrated essential oil to the mucous membrane or epidermis. It should be diluted in the proportions recommended by the manufacturer. This is especially true for its oral use, since the treatment of internal burns of the mucous membrane is longer and more difficult.
2. Concentrated oils should be stored out of the reach of children.
3. It should be remembered that essential oils do not dissolve in water and their aqueous solution is only an illusion. Since the oil has a lower density than water, it accumulates as a thin film on the surface of the liquid, which can lead to a burn. Before taking a bath, the essential oil should be dissolved in one of the following substances: kefir, milk, cream, honey, alcohol.

If a mixture of essential oils is used in cosmetic procedures or treatments, its use meets the same requirements as in the case of using one of the oils.

Each oil has its own dilution percentage, but on average it is recommended to take one drop of essential oil per 10 liters of water.

There are also a number of recommendations that allow you to take aromatized baths without the risk of getting burned:

1. First, wash your body with soap and rinse in the shower.
2. The first time – the medicinal bath takes 10 minutes.
3. Medicinal and cosmetic baths are taken on an empty stomach, and drinking alcoholic beverages is not allowed.
4. Water temperature should not exceed 38°C.

Forecast

The prognosis of therapy carried out after oil burns depends on the severity of the pathology and timely provision of adequate medical care. Statistics show that with a prognostic index (PII) of less than 30 points, the prognosis of the disease is favorable. If the PII falls within the range of 30 to 60 points, the probability of a favorable outcome is high. If an oil burn shows PII falling within the range of 60 to 90 points, the probability of a favorable outcome is low, but still exists. If the PII is higher than 90 points, the probability of a fatal outcome is high.

Damage to the respiratory tract significantly worsens the prognosis.