NHS officials are warning people to take care on pancake day after figures showed a rise in online searches for advice on burns.
NHS England said the main NHS website sees demand for advice on burns and scalds rise dramatically on pancake day, from a daily average of 3,200 to 5,300 views, based on data from the past two years.
This year’s pancake day – or Shrove Tuesday – is on February 21.
The NHS burns and scalds page provides advice on prevention, treatment and symptoms, such as caring for blisters, red or peeling skin, swelling and even white or charred skin.
Advice includes getting the person away from the heat source immediately, removing clothing or jewellery near the burnt skin and cooling the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 to 30 minutes.
People should not use iced water or any creams or greases like butter.
Once the burn is cool, covering it with cling film or a clean plastic bag can help, while painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can treat any pain.
People who have suffered an acid or chemical burn should call 999.
The website also details when people should seek further medical attention.
Robert Cleary, NHS England’s content director for the NHS website, said: “The NHS website is available every day of the year for anyone who needs it and is often the first port of call for anyone seeking health advice.
“The site provides information and advice in easy-to-understand language on a wide range of conditions, making it accessible for all and easy for people to receive health advice and support from a trustworthy source.”
