Home Remedies for Burns
Burn is a common injury, at the home level. The most common burns occurring at home are caused by touching a hot vessel or stove, steam or spilling hot water. These are treated at the home level, in order to prevent further infection.
Burns Symptoms
Burns are majorly classified into three types, on the basis of the degree of damage. They are:
First degree burn – affects the outermost skin layer
Second degree burn – affects the first and second layer
Third degree burn – penetrates deep within and affects the innermost tissues.
Typical symptoms of burns include blisters, inflammation, scars and shock. It is a life threatening condition, which affects the protective layer of the body. Peeling of the skin, white or charred skin, pain and red skin are the other symptoms.
Burns Causes
Burns fall into many categories, on the basis of the contributing factor. They are radiation burns (X rays, tanning booths or exposure to sun), heat burns (hot objects, steam and fire), chemical burns (chemicals in the house or from foods, such as capsaicin in pepper), friction burns (abrasion or contact with hard surfaces) and electrical burns (lightning or contact with any electrical supply).
Treatment for Burns
Over the counter pain reliever is given in case of minor burns. Aspirin is not recommended for children. Sterile gauze is placed over the burn in a superficial manner. This prevents the injury from dust and thus decreases pain. Do not place ice cubes over the burn, as it might contribute to frostbite.
Home Remedies for Burns
Some of the common household remedies for minor burns are:
Burns Treatment with Lavender Oil: Topical application of lavender oil provides relief from pain.
Burns Treatment with Aloe Vera: Place some aloe leaves over the affected area. Follow it up with the contents of a vitamin E capsule, so as to prevent scarring.
Burns Treatment with Papaya: Topical application of fresh pulp of papaya aids in the removal of the dead cells from the blisters.
Burns Treatment with Honey: Application of honey over a washed burn helps in hastening the recovery process.
Diet for Burns: A diet rich in calories and protein proves beneficial. It also regenerates the cells and decreases the probability of infection. Supplements of zinc, selenium and copper are equally helpful.
Tips for Burns
Avoid blowing on the burn. Application of cream, butter, ointment and oil spray is not recommended. Immersion of severe burn in a bucket of water might result in shock. Avoid feeding the person. Do not try to pull out the clothes from the affected individual, as it might worsen the skin damage. Check out for the pulse or the heart beat. In case of poor or no breathing, try cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Do not try to break the blisters.
