Doctors share tips for people to have a safe Deepavali

Stressing on the need for parents to take appropriate measures to make the Deepavali celebrations happy and safe for their families, Dr Selva Seetha Raman S, HOD and Senior Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Gleneagles Global Hospitals, said, “Children should be instructed on the safe handling of crackers ahead of time and be supervised while bursting the crackers. In an uneventful situation of a cracker burst injury, don’t panic.”

He said, “Wash the area of injury with plenty of water - even showing the wound in the running tap water works. This reduces the heat damage and reduces pain. Once that is done, cover the burn area with a clean dry cloth.

In case of an injury to the eye, wash the eyes with plenty of water and avoid rubbing the eyes.”

Stating that it is important to revive our dos and do nots for Deepavali to avoid these unfortunate mishaps, Dr Jimmy Prabhakaran, Consultant General Physician, Fortis Malar Hospital, said, “Bursting of crackers is not only a joy for children but also for everybody and we cannot ignore the risk factors involved like fire accidents, burns and injuries. Also, pollution is another hazard caused by emission of smoke from the chemicals contained in the fire crackers that will have an impact on health.”

It is important that we keep a bucket of water in the vicinity where fire crackers are burst, he said, adding, “While it feels great to dress up and look great for the festival, it is important what we wear especially while bursting crackers. Avoid wearing long and loose clothes as they are likely to catch fire. Instead, wear fitted cotton clothes. Don’t wear silk and synthetic fabric either. Wear proper footwear at the time of bursting crackers.”

While the majority of injuries caused by fireworks are superficial minor burns – the only damage being on the top layer of the skin, making the area red and painful – it is important to keep the wound area clean. “However, if your burn looks severe, it is best to seek medical assistance. Also burn injury to the hand, eyes, face, private parts – even appearing small - may be very significant and hence require a doctor’s advice to avoid any long-term effect,” he stressed.