When the Qingshui Patriarch Temple in Dingfuyan, Linkou District, New Taipei City held a "Cleaning from Excessive Fire" ceremony this afternoon, many believers reported burns and scalds on the soles of their feet after stepping on charcoal fire with their bare feet and were sent to the hospital. Xindian Gengxin Hospital reminded that injuries caused by high temperature exposure cannot be judged solely by the size of the wound or the degree of pain. In particular, the soles of the feet are important parts for bearing weight and maintaining walking. After injury, you should immediately cool down with clean water and seek medical evaluation. Proper care must also be taken in the follow-up to avoid infection and repeated friction that affects healing.
Lu Yunfeng, a physician at the Department of Emergency Medicine of Gengxin Hospital, said that after contact with charcoal fire, even if the heat source has been removed, the skin may still be damaged due to residual heat energy. You should move to a safe place as soon as possible, rinse the affected area with flowing, clean tap water for about 15 to 30 minutes, and pay attention to keeping other parts of the body warm; do not apply ice directly or use ice water to avoid further damage, and do not apply toothpaste, soy sauce, ointment or drugs of unknown origin.
Lu Yunfeng pointed out that the public can master the first aid principles of "flush, take off, soak, cover, and remove" and gently remove shoes, socks, and clothing that are not stuck to the wound; if they are stuck, do not forcefully remove them. After cooling down, lightly cover the wound with clean gauze or a non-stick dressing, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the injury is extensive or you feel unwell, call 119 immediately. Do not delay seeking medical attention to complete the brewing step.
"Don't prick the blisters yourself. The absence of severe pain does not mean that the injury is minor." Lu Yunfeng reminded that if the skin appears white, charred, and the sensation is dull, it may involve deeper injuries; if there are blisters, broken skin, persistent pain, or the inability to step on the ground normally after the sole of the foot is injured, it should also be evaluated by a doctor. People with diabetes, poor peripheral circulation, or abnormal sensation should not judge the severity of the injury solely by the degree of pain.
Li Binglun, director of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Gengxin Hospital, said that treatment of burns and scalds not only deals with immediate pain, but also requires continuous observation of wound depth, healing and functional recovery. There are still differences in the depth of so-called second-degree burns, and it cannot be generally assumed that they will all heal in the same time. If the wound is deep, has necrotic tissue, or does not heal well, it may require debridement, and some patients require further evaluation for skin grafting.
Regarding sole injuries, Li Binglun reminded that during the recovery period, the amount of standing and walking must be adjusted according to the injury, and avoid stepping on the ground barefoot, standing for a long time, and repeated friction of shoes and socks. If necessary, the medical team will evaluate the need for pressure relief and assistive devices. After the wound is completely healed, moisturize and assess the scar according to the skin condition. If the scar is thickened, tight, or affects activities, a doctor can assess the need for silicone products, pressure therapy, and rehabilitation. Do not use scar removal products directly on unhealed wounds.
