Burns are the most common household injuries. You can get it during cooking, spending too much time under the sun, touching a hot pan, or any other hot thing. Certainly they are not pleasant. Moreover, they are quite painful too. You need to take of a burn wound in the right way. Otherwise, they can become infectious, leading to various other complications.
Burns are categorized according to their severity- the amount of damage they cause. Not all burns can be treated at home. If anyone in your house has got a deep burn, you must take them to the Skin specialist in Islamabad.
In this article, we will tell you the home remedies for burns. However, only first-degree burns can be treated with them. For all other types, you need to seek professional help.
What are the Types of Burns?
The types of burns can be described as:
First degree burns
They are the mildest type of burn that affects the superficial lining of your body, that is skin. They do not cause much damage and often recover at home with simple treatments and remedies. First-degree burns may cause mild pain, burning, and redness.
Second-degree burns
They are severer than first-degree burns and cause deeper damage to the skin. Along with pain and burning sensation, they may also cause blisters, white and shiny skin.
Third-degree burns
They are very severe and cause damage to all layers of skin. It needs immediate medical assistance and can be life-threatening.
Fourth-degree burns
They are the most severe form of burns, involving all the layers of skin, bones, joints, and nerves. The person with fourth-degree burns needs to be taken to the emergency promptly as they are life-threatening. They can also cause damage to the organ.
Home remedies for Burns
A mild burn takes some days to get better. The treatment focuses on relieving pain, burning, and preventing infections. Home remedies can only be done for mild first-degree burns.
Cool water
Cool water can help in soothing your skin, reducing the burning sensation. It is a good idea to run cool water over your burn for at least 20 minutes. After that, wash it with a mild soap. Washing the wound with soap can help prevent infections.
Cold compress
Applying a cold compress on the burn can help relieve swelling and burning. You can apply it in intervals of 5 to 10 minutes. Do not use a too cold compress as it can irritate the skin.
Antibiotic ointments
Keep an antibiotic ointment always at home. Whenever your skin gets burnt, apply it. The burnt skin becomes so prone to infections because the skin is the first-line defense of your body. When it gets damaged, the bacteria and other microbes can enter your body with ease. Therefore you need to take care of your burn wound to protect them from infections.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is known as a “burn plant”. It is because it has magical effects on burns. Aloe vera improves blood circulation, soothes the skin, reduces inflammation, and prevents bacterial growth. You can extract aloe vera gel from its leaf and apply it to the wound. It can even help in second-degree burns.
Honey
Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal effects. Therefore it can help provide relief in burn wounds.
Reduce Sun Exposure
You must reduce your exposure to sunlight. It is because burnt skin is very sensitive and sunlight can adversely affect it. Therefore you need to take caution when going out. Keep it protected with a cloth.
Pain Reliever
An over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen can help relieve pain associated with a burn. You can take it.
If your skin gets burnt, you can consult with a Best dermatologist in Lahore
