Burn victim Michelle Fowlds talks about her healing process
Michelle Fowlds suffered 3rd degree burns on her arms, after a pot of oil caught fire on the stove. Almost four months after the incident Michelle is still left with the after effects, wounds which require specialised and constant care.
POLOKWANE – She spoke to Review about the healing process.
“When the raw wounds were healing it does something like granulation, where the skin makes ripples where it tries to connect. This is most often scraped off in a operation during the recovery period of especially third degree burn wounds,” she said.
Granulation tissue is new connective tissue and microscopic blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process. Granulation tissue typically grows from the base of a wound and is able to fill wounds of almost any size.
“In the beginning third degree burn wounds need to be dressed every second day, in order to prevent infection from setting in and to assist in the healing process. When it comes to skin that was not grafted, there may be several places where little sores may appear, these need special attention and needs to be kept clean. When your risk for infection is lower the wounds can be dressed less often,” she explained.
She added that in many cases the swelling will make the wounded area look normal, and only once the inflammation goes down do you realise the extent of damage done.
Michelle said that while she was in hospital she saw burn victims of all ages and through hearing their stories realised that many of their cases, like hers, could have been prevented had they known what to do and what not to do. “Most burn accidents could have been prevented and informing people on fire prevention is the the only way I can think to help others from not going through what I have,” Michelle said.
She shared the advise given to her about how to deal with hot water, fires and even something like cooking on a stove.
Hot water tips
1. When preparing bath water for a baby or small child start with the cold water so that when an accident happens the water is not hot enough to cause serious burns.
2. When boiling water for food make sure that it is well out of reach of children in the area.
Open fire tips
1. If possible avoid making open fires. Burning rubbish for instance in against the municipal bylaws and can be dangerous and lead to fires.
2. Never use gasoline, lighter fluid to start a fire
2. When having a braai make sure that all pets and children stay far away from the fire and that in situations where children are allowed near the fire like toasting a marshmallow they should always do so under supervision of parents.
Liquid fires
1. When dealing with liquids that burn like oil it should be monitored and used safely in well ventilated ares.
2. Should the liquid start burning, Attempt to remove all oxygen from the flame by covering it with another pot or baking pan. Alternatively you can throw sand or baking soda on the flame.
3. DO NOT USE WATER
Read the full story about her accident in this week’s Review
