Burns can be caused by open fire, but also by scalding, hot gases or vapors, as well as by strong sunlight. In the treatment of burns are important rules to follow even when using home remedies.
What helps against burns?
A cloth soaked with aloe vera placed on the affected areas, supports the healing process. The most important measure after a burn is cooling of the affected skin areas, so that the heat does not penetrate deeper into the tissue in the first minutes after a burn injury. At a later stage, supplied cold only has the effect of relieving mild pain. Both running water and cotton cloths soaked in water are suitable for cooling. While small burns should be allowed to dry out in the air, larger burns and also blisters are covered with sterile cloths to avert the risk of infection. It is important to use cloths that do not form lint. Dressing kits often contain sterile aluminum foil, which can also be used to cover burns. Before bandaging, the affected areas of skin are padded. Avoid touching the burn wound with the hand to prevent germs from entering the wound. Since burn blisters protect the skin underneath, do not puncture them. If a burn blister is opened, there is a risk of infection. If a blister is painful, the fluid may be suctioned out by a doctor. Cooling ointments are allowed for minor and superficial burns. In contrast, for extensive burns or burns that extend into deeper tissue layers, ointments make medical diagnosis more difficult and therefore do more harm than good. Ointments containing a fat component should generally not be used, as they retain heat in the burn area. If a burn has not healed after ten to fourteen days, a doctor should be consulted. Careful use of steam, hot objects, and open fires will prevent burns. Sunburn is avoided by slowly getting used to the sun and using sunscreens with a good sun protection factor.
Quick help
If burned, the skin must be cooled immediately by cold compresses or cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes, if possible. Much longer cooling should be refrained from in order to avoid cold damage. In the case of burns, the water should first run over the clothing before it is removed from the body after a certain amount of cooling. In the case of scalds, on the other hand, the hot clothing is usually removed immediately to stop the heat from affecting the skin. If the injured person’s clothing is stuck to the wound, seek medical attention immediately. Ice cubes or ice water should not be used for cooling (as they are associated with the risk of local frostbite), only cold and clear tap water should be used. Restlessness, cold sweat, trembling or pallor are signs of shock. In this case, the legs of the burn victim should be elevated to allow blood to flow to vital body organs. Constricting clothing should be opened. Covering a burn victim with rescue blankets, conventional blankets or warm clothing protects against the threat of hypothermia. If the casualty loses consciousness, he must be placed in a stable lateral position so that his tongue cannot block the airway. If breathing stops, resuscitation measures, especially chest compressions, must be performed immediately.
Alternative remedies
In addition to clear tap water, lime blossom tea and sauerkraut juice can be considered as cooling agents in soaked cotton cloths. The egg white of a fresh chicken egg spread on the burn wound acts like a natural band-aid, sticking the burn wound together. This prevents infection and facilitates the formation of new skin. The enzymes of the egg white promote wound healing. A fresh slice of onion or a raw potato slice on the burn is also soothing. For cooling ticks and to relieve pain, burn blisters, as long as they are not open, can be spread with cottage cheese or plain yogurt. If the tongue is burned, a cooling sip of cream will help. A cloth soaked in aloe vera juice and placed on the burned skin prevents the formation of scars and supports the healing process.Supposed home remedies such as flour, butter, vinegar, oil or even toothpaste should absolutely be avoided in order not to aggravate the pain. In addition, the medical assessment of a wound “treated” in this way is made more difficult. Home remedies may only be used for minor burns or for initial emergency treatment. For more severe redness or obviously more severe burns, call a doctor or ambulance immediately.
