Ways to Treat Burns

Times of India
2, March 2010

Depending on the degree of burns you have got, try one of these home remedies or seek medical help. Minor burns usually just need minimum care. And for slightly serious ones, the key is in ensuring that it doesn’t blister, as this leads to complications, and sometimes, infections too.

One of the first steps is to place the area with the burns under cold running water. Immersing it into a bucket of water is the second best. If possible, keep the tap running and let the water flow on the area for at least five minutes. Do not put ice on the burns, as this can cause damage to the skin.
Try and gauge the degree of the burn. Generally first degree burns turn red, second degree ones have blisters and third degree burns result in singing and blackening the skin.
It is important to keep the burn area covered. Apply a clean, loose dressing on the area, just don’t tie a cloth very tightly.
Make use of aloe vera. The cooling gel of the plant can be helpful to ease the pain of a superficial burn. Wait for a while until the burn is neutralised. Then apply the gel twice a day to help the skin heal.
It’s best to remove any jewellery, belts and constrictive clothing that may be surrounding the area of the burn.
If the burn is very painful, you could try taking a mild painkiller. Just make sure you take the correct dosage and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
Avoid applying any burn ointment or cream until the skin has been completely cooled off. A simple home remedy is to spread some honey on the burn area. The moisturising properties will help it to heal faster.
Don’t use oils or petroleum jelly, or even butter to treat the area. This tends to just add to the amount of heat you feel and will make you uncomfortable, and oil residue might increase the risk of skin infection.
If the red burn area suddenly begins to blister, then don’t touch it. Picking or trying to burst blisters will only worsen your condition. The skin underneath the blister is actually healing while the blister protects it from infection.
Lastly – and most importantly – no matter how minor the burns, do show it to a doctor and have him prescribe medicines to help it heal faster.

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