How To Treat Burns

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How To Treat Burns

Submitted by Ellie L on 07/01/2009

The treatment for a burn would quite naturally depend on the type of burn, whether first, second or third degree burns. The type of burn is determined by the extent of damage in terms of area, severity, and location, with third degree burns being the most serious. Burns of this nature would require emergency medical treatment. First and second degree burns that do not cover an area larger than two or three inches can however be treated at home. First aid is at these times of the greatest importance and is more valuable than natural or alternative treatments itself. Natural remedies can however help facilitate healing and minimize the risk of infection or scarring.

When considering the immediate treatment or first aid to be dispensed for a burn you should be aware that not all methods of treatment that you are familiar with are necessarily good. Some are in fact down right damaging and should be avoided:

•Never apply butter or oil onto the burn.
•Never apply ice or ice water over the area.

Now that you’ve got those facts straight here’s what you should do:

•Hold or expose the burned area to some cool running water.
•Apply a soothing skin care product like aloe vera or an over the counter ointment for burns. This helps protect against infection and also relieves the pain.
•Exposure can lead to infection or the risk of direct surface contact, which is not only painful, but can also delay healing. For this reason it would be necessary to protect it with a dry gauze bandage.
•Applying cool wet soaks through the day will also help.
•For more sever burns or second degree burns it would be necessary to clean and change the dressing daily as healing will take longer.
•Never scratch at the skin or burst the blister as this increases the risk of infection and also the danger of scarring.

This guide is not intended to replace professional medical advice, if in any doubt always seek the advice of a doctor, and in serious cases call for emergency assistance.