BURNS


BDSM play often involves the risks of burns. Friction burns from bondage, dry burns from candle wax, cold burns from ice fresh from the freezer or radiation burns from a violet wand or the summer sun. Any of these or similar may occur.

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Burns can be a serious threat to life, but most often in BDSM are simply uncomfortable and inconvenient. The danger increases according to the depth of the burn and the area it covers. Deep burns on a very small area are unlikely to be life threatening and the same applies to superficial burns over a moderate area but all burnt skin is prone to infection. Try to avoid burns but if they do occur treat them responsibly. Burns caused through play are seldom deep unless done deliberately, such as in branding. So let's consider what we can do to ensure safety AND enjoyment

• When playing with a violet wand or outdoors, be aware of the danger. If you are playing with a sub alfresco at least parts of their body are likely to be uncovered. Sun burn will most probably be unintentional and almost certainly non consensual so please take care. Like the sun, violet wands cause radiation burns through ultra violet waves. Wands are a very safe toy as long as you keep them moving but can be nasty if left constantly on the same spot for more than a few seconds.
  
  Treat the burn by bathing the affected area in cold water for at least 10 minutes. If the skin does not blister, apply calamine lotion or an after sun preparation. Cover the area with light clothing and do not repeat exosure until it is fully healed. Unless the burns cover large areas and develop blisters it is unlikely that medical attention will be necessary. Afterwards always keep a careful watch on the burnt area. If any warty type growths, lumps or weeping wounds appear consult a doctor immediately.
  
  
• Cold burns from ice are not common. Usually the frosting has melted before the ice is applied to the skin. These injuries can be avoided simply by allowing any cold item to be used in play to defrost for a few minutes.
  
  If a cold burn does occur, remove any jewellery etc. from the area, bathe the part in warm (NOT hot) water. Dry it and then cover with a dry dressing. Otherwise treat as for any other minor burn.
  
  
• Friction burns may be caused intentionally but are more likely to be the result of pulling rope too quickly across the sub's skin while either applying or removing bondage. It is unlikely that they will be more than superficial. Treat in the same way as other minor burns, as described below.
  
  
• When you play with hot wax you are actually deliberately burning your sub! The burn is usually very superficial but may be more serious than intended when it affects very sensitive areas such as the genitals. Remember that coloured, scented and long life candles often burn hotter than plain white household candles. After wax is removed examine the area for blisters or raw areas where the surface layer of skin was removed with the wax.
  
  Friction or dry burns should be treated by immersing or bathing the affected area with cold water for at least 10 minutes. If cold water is not available any other cold, harmless liquid such as milk or canned drinks will do. Gently remove jewellery and restricting clothing (if they are wearing any!) from the area before it begins to swell. Cover the area with a sterile dressing of clean, non-fluffy material.
• Do NOT use adhesive dressings, the burn may cover a wider area than is obvious.
• Do NOT apply any creams or fatty substance, they can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection.
• Do NOT break blisters, you will open the area to infection
  
  
• DO keep the injured area clean and treat it or have it treated if it shows any sign of infection.
  
  
  

  In heavier forms of D/s SM play burns are sometimes applied deliberately. These may be done with a cigarette, a branding iron or some other extremely hot object. Burns of this type are likely to be at least partial thickness and may penetrate the full thickness of the skin. These are serious wounds and must be handled with great care to avoid infection. They may cause permanent scarring, which was probably the purpose!
  
  Care for serious burns as for minor ones but you will most likely also need to treat the casualty for shock. The sub should preferably be treated by a Scene friendly doctor. If there is any sign of infection forget about embarassment and get it seen to immediately!
  
  
  

  Do you know at which point medical attention is necessary?
  
  

  Does your partner care enough to take a close interest in all of the preceding questions?
  
  

  Problems? Are you unsure? Call a Doctor- NOW!!!?