Burns can heal completely

The day was aimed at raising awareness on the different types of burns and rehabilitation after a burn.

Winter time is often associated with warm soup and long nights under the covers, but for many South Africans it’s a high risk season for burns and often results in death.

With winter looming, the hospital saw it fit to have the awareness day to help curb the high rise of burn cases.

Stalls were set up with different products and qualified medical reps gave advice on how to react during an emergency.

Surgeon Dr Nawane Gama invalidated many myths surrounding burn treatment during an emergency.

“Please refrain from adding toothpaste, butter or any other solid or liquid to the wound,” he says.

“Cool water is the only thing that can help.”

He adds that if a person is burnt, the biggest concern is to limit the spread of the fire using water.

The Folang Wound Clinic (FWC) at the hospital is dedicated to wound care.

They treat wounds that are the result of trauma, pressure sores, diabetic ulcers and burns.

Head of the FWC, Dr Georges Balenda ,who was also recently appointed the vice-president of the Wound Healing Association of South Africa, welcomed guests and explained the aim of the day.

He says their concern is that many patients are not aware that they can heal completely after a burn.

“Before we encourage that, we need to speak about prevention of burns,” he says.

Various companies came to share their expert advice on burns and how to treat them.

Members of the community, local clinics and other health professionals ended the day off by visiting the stalls to learn more about the best products available for wound care.