How to Treat a Burn

Burns result when the source of heat comes into contact with the skin. They are one of the most common forms of home injuries, which can often be treated with the help of over the counter medications. Burns pose a major threat only when the degree of injury is high or if there is an infection. The course of treatment for burns is decided by assessing the degree of burn.

How to Treat a Burn

How to Treat a Burn from Hot Water
This type of burns are common at home as well as industries where people are required to deal with large boilers. Burns resulting due to hot water can be treated by placing the affected part under running, cool water for about 10-15 minutes. Apply an aloe gel for soothing the affected skin. This is exactly how to treat a burn from boiling water. However, burns resulting due to boiling water may be of severe consequence, that may need medical intervention.

How to Treat First Degree Burns
First degree burns are often of minor consequence, where the only damage to skin, is in the form of destruction of outermost layer of epidermis. These burns appear in the form of reddish portions on the skin, often, blisters may develop. First degree burn treatment can be easily done with the help of some home remedies. The first thing to be done is to run cold water over the affected area, until the burning sensation stops completely. Dab some aloe vera gel or cucumber gel to get an instant relief from burning and preventing the area from swelling. This is how to treat a burn on hand or leg. However, areas that cannot be placed under cool water can be dabbed with washcloths dipped in ice-cold water.

How to Treat Second Degree Burns
Treating second degree burns is a difficult thing to do at home. These burns can be of severe consequence and the resultant injury may be on delicate organs such as face, neck, groin, tongue etc. Second degree burns destroy several layers of skin tissue and damage the nerves. This type of burns are the most painful ones as damage to nerves is involved. The initial treatment of the wound would be similar to that for the first degree wounds. However, second degree burns are most prone to infections, hence you'll have to cover them in bandage or wrap. If you find it difficult to dress the wound at home, then it is better to show it to a qualified medical practitioner.

How to Treat Third Degree Burns
Third degree burns are the most severe burns, yet the painless ones. The reason is that the underlying nerves themselves get burnt and the body loses its sensation for pain. You should not even attempt to treat these burns at home. This is a case of emergency and you should always call 911 for help. However, you can try to minimize the damage by not letting the burns spread to other parts of the body.

How to Treat a Burn at Home: Dos and Don'ts
Do's

• Always check the setting of your boiler, especially if you have young children.
• Always cover the wound in a plastic wrap to prevent any infection.
• Dab some aloe gel on the wound and take medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Don'ts

• Never use an ice on the wound to reduce the swelling. It results in frost bite.
• Do not dab honey, oil or butter on the wound, as they trap the heat making the wound worse.
• Do not pop the blisters, it is body's own mechanism to cope with the increased heat.

Even the most minor form of burn can worsen, if it gets infected. Hence, always keep a close watch on your wound and take all the necessary precautions to prevent it from getting infected. If you notice the condition of wound deteriorating, then always seek medical help.