One should not use home medicines for curing burn injuries on Diwali as this can cause irreparable loss to any body organ, says Dr Ashwin Shetty, Consultant-Ophthalmology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru Dr Shetty recommends rinsing the area with clean drinking water in case of any burn injuries.

Dr Shetty instructed against applying any home remedies like turmeric / rose water etc. This is especially important if there is a suspicion of an injury to the eyeball as these can cause severe inflammation / infection if they enter the eye.

“Take the patient to an eye doctor as soon as possible. Do not attempt to forcibly open the eyes if they are swollen shut. It may cause further damage if the eyeball has suffered a penetrating injury,” added Dr Shetty.

Dr Shetty advised people to be aware of their surroundings when firecrackers are going off. Most injuries happen to bystanders when a firecracker goes off around them.

“Children should always be supervised by adults when setting off firecrackers. Never try to relight a firecracker which hasn't gone off the first time. Make sure there is no loose gravel, glass bottles etc. near the site where you are lighting your crackers. These can shatter and fly off by the force of the explosion and cause serious injuries,” added Dr Shetty.

Dr Shetty pointed out that projectile firecrackers (rockets /seven shot etc.) should never be set off in a horizontal position. People should keep a water source (bucket of water) handy to douse accidental fires. Warn motorists (especially 2 wheeler riders) when they are approaching your lit firecracker which is about to go off.