Treating Minor Burns

There are three levels or degrees of burns, first degree, second degree and third degree. First degree burns are described as the burns which affect only the upper layer of the skin, called the epidermis. Sunburn is an example of first degree burns. They lead to mild to sharp pain, inflammation and swelling. The second degree burns cause damage to outer as well as several deeper layers of skin. The layer of skin present under the epidermis is termed as dermis. The symptoms are more uncomfortable in comparison with the first degree burns. They include intense pain, swelling, redness and blistering. Read more on degrees of burns.

The final type of burns, called third degree burns cause severe damage to all the layers of skin and reaches the underlying tissue. They often destroy the nerves located in the affected area. This is the reason why third degree burns are painless. The skin becomes dry and leathery. It also changes its color. It can be white, brown or black. Both second and third degree burns need medical assistance for treatment. You can treat first degree or minor burns quite effectively and smaller second degree burns to some extent, at home. The following paragraph is an account on ways for treating minor burns in children as well as adults.

Tips for Treating Minor Burns at Home

Minor burns are described as those first and second degree burns that are lesser than three inches in diameter. They heal quickly and completely with little home care. Follow the given instructions for effective and quick minor burns treatment.

• Remove, if any, clothing or jewelry in contact with the burnt skin.
• Wash the burnt skin by placing it under running cool or tepid water till the pain has been substantially reduced. Recommended time length for washing is 15-20 minutes. It will reduce the twinging sensation.
• If washing of the burnt area is not possible, then apply cold compress on the affected body part for about 30 minutes.
• Do not rub an ice cube on the burnt skin as you may end up with frostbite resulting in more severe damage.
• When you are done with the cooling of the skin, apply a good quality moisturizing lotion to soothe and prevent dryness.
• Don't apply butter or oil on the skin as it may aggravate the burning sensation and will result in greater damage. Furthermore, it increases the possibility of infection.
• Keep the burnt area well protected from dust and dirt as they may lead to infection. Always keep the wound covered with clothing or with a bandage.
• In case of sunburn, you should apply 1-2% hydrocortisone cream or an anesthetic agent. This is one of the effective ways of treating minor burns on face.
• Even after trying the above remedies, you may continue to feel pain. Take a nonprescription pain killer like Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc. to bring down the pain.
• In case of formation of tender blisters filled with fluid, you can force out the fluid for fast recovery. Sterilize a needle with 70% alcohol and use it to punch a tiny hole in the blister.
• Wash the area with plenty of water. Apply an antibiotic lotion or cream on the operated area of the skin.
• Keep the wound covered with the cream or a bandage. Do not expose it to ultraviolet light or sun.
• You may use a sunscreen lotion to meet the purpose mentioned in the above step.
• Follow a healthy diet to enhance your body's natural ability of treating minor burns.

By following the above steps on treating minor burns properly, you will be able to get rid of uneasy burn symptoms within 7 to 10 days. There are higher chances that the minor burn will get cured without leaving a scar behind. However, if a scar is formed, it may take a month or more for it to completely go away. The process of treating a burn may take longer if you are over 40 years of age and have a poor immune system. Medical intervention will assist you recover fast and comfortably.