Burns

Alternatives
Home Remedies

We all have experienced burns. Incidents like touching a hot plate by mistake or spilling some hot coffee on oneself are commonplace. While you can treat only first- and second-degree burns yourself, third-degree burns need medical attention of a doctor – without delay.

Here is how to decide whether a burn is too hot to handle yourself:

A mild burn of first degree will only cause red skin and a mild pain. It takes about three to six days to heal.

Second-degree burns blister, ooze, and are painful. Second-degree burns may cause swelling and peel the skin.

Third-degree burns are very severe. They may cause white, creamy or black charred skin. Usually they are not painful initially because nerve endings have been destroyed, but they always require a doctor’s care.

If not given proper attention, burns of all kinds can leave scars and develop infection or other complications. To avoid any such unwanted outcome, follow these dos and don’ts in case of burns:

• Consult a doctor immediately if

o you are not sure how bad the burns are.

o burns are on the face, hands, feet, pelvic and pubic areas, or in the eyes.

o there is any signs of infection, including a blister filled with greenish or brownish fluid

o any burn becomes hot again or turns red.

o burns not healed within a week.

• Do not use any ointments, antiseptics, or sprays on the burns before consulting your doctor. You may, however, cover the burn. Gently wrap the burn in a clean, dry cloth such as a thick gauze pad.

• Flush your burns with lots and lots of cold water. Do not use ice or ice water as it can make your burn worse.

• Soothe with aloe. Two or three days after you burn, break off a fresh piece of aloe and use the plant’s natural healing moisture. Do not use aloe if you are using blood thinners or have a medical history of heart problems.

• When your burn is starting to heal, break open a capsule of vitamin E and rub the liquid onto your irritated skin. It will feel good and may prevent scarring.

• Apply honey to the wound once you have washed the wound properly. It will prevent infection and will heal the wound.

• Papaya contains enzymes that help to remove dead cells from the wound.

• Applying lavender oil is found to be effective for burns.

• Applying coconut oil is also found to be effective for burns.

• Apply toothpaste on first degree burns. It relieves the burning pain and it’s not messy as it dries after a period of time.

• Do not use cotton directly on burns as it adheres to it

• Do not apply any ink, mercurochrome, grease or baking soda on burns.

• Do not try to peel off the burnt skin – not even when you start seeing signs of healing.

• For burn from hot water, apply butter. It may be little messy but it works.

• For minor burns, rub some egg white on it.

• For flame burns, roll the victim on the ground and wrap with rugs, blankets or a coat. Then, call for medical help or take the person to the doctor immediately.

• For chemical burns, wash the affected area thoroughly with running water. Then, call for medical help or take the person to the doctor immediately.