BITE

(a) _Burns_ are produced by dry heat, as a fire, acids, alkalis, etc.,
and may be of all degrees, from a superficial reddening of the skin to a
burning of the tissues to the bone.

(b) _Scalds_ are produced by moist heat, and may be of the same degrees
as those produced by dry heat.

(c) _Sunburn_ is produced by the sun, and is usually superficial, but
may be quite severe.

(d) _Frostbite_ is produced by freezing the tissues and is usually not
dangerous. The more severe types will be treated later under Freezing.

_Treatment_--(a) _Burns_; (b) _Scalds_

1. Except in the minor burns and scalds, send for the doctor at once.

2. The first thing to do is allay pain by protecting the injured part
from the air.

3. For a burn produced by fire, cover with a paste made of baking soda
and water, or smear with grease--as lard, carron oil (mixture of linseed
oil and lime water--half and half) or vaseline or calendula cerate.
Cover with a piece of clean cloth or absorbent gauze and bandage loosely
or tie in place. Gauze prepared with picric acid, if at hand, is a most
satisfactory dressing. It can be purchased and kept on hand for
emergencies.

4. In burns from alkalis or acids, wash off as quickly as possible and
neutralize (make inactive the acids with baking soda, weak ammonia or
soapsuds; the alkalis with vinegar or lemon juice). Afterward treat like
other burns.

(c) _Sunburn_ is an inflammation of the skin produced by the action of
the sun's rays and may be prevented by gradually accustoming the skin
to exposure to the sun. It is treated as are other minor burns.

(d) _Frostbite_--_Prevention_--1. Wear sufficient clothing in cold
weather and keep exposed parts, such as ears and fingers, covered.

2. Rub vigorously any part that has become cold. This brings the warm
blood to the surface and prevents chilling.

3. Keep in action when exposed to the cold for any length of time. The
signs of danger are sudden lack of feeling in an exposed part, and a
noticeably white area. Chilblain is an example of frostbite.

_Treatment_--The circulation of the blood through the frozen part must
be restored gradually. This must be done by rubbing the part first with
cold water, which will be slightly warmer than the frozen part, and
_gradually_ warming the water until the circulation and warmth is fully
restored. Then treat as a minor burn. If heat is applied suddenly it
causes death of frozen parts.

3. SPLINTERS,