Burn treatment; Home treatment and burn medicine
Burns can be caused by exposure to heat, steam, hot liquids, chemicals or the sun. Burn treatment can vary depending on the severity and location of the burn. Severe burns can destroy all layers of the skin and even damage muscles and subcutaneous fat. These burns require immediate medical attention. Home remedies can help heal wounds and reduce pain. In this article from the section Beauty, skin and hairHello Dr., we are reviewing home remedies for burns. These treatments can reduce the risk of infection and scar tissue. You can use some essential oils, antioxidants and various plant compounds to heal burns. A person with burns can also speed up wound healing by eating anti-inflammatory foods.
Types and treatment of burns
Symptoms of burns can include redness, swelling, pain, and blisters. In some severe burns, the symptoms may appear completely within 1 to 2 days after the burn. How should affected people diagnose severe burns? The severity of the symptoms can help you diagnose the degree of the burn. These symptoms also tell you if you need medical attention right now.
Based on the severity of skin damage, burns are classified into 3 main categories:
- First degree burns: These burns only damage the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, and are not dangerous. Symptoms of this type of burn include redness and pain in the affected area.
- Second degree burns: This type of burn causes damage to the epidermis and dermis (the second layer of skin). Swelling, red and white spots on the skin, blisters and severe pain are some of the symptoms of secondary burns. If the burns in this group are deep; They can cause scarring at the site of injury.
- Third degree burns: These burns are severe and destroy the fat layer under the skin. Burn spots can become black, brown or white. Third-degree burns can lead to nerve damage and local anesthesia.
The best treatments can vary depending on the type of burn. First-degree burns are very common and can occur in daily activities, especially in the kitchen.
Unlike severe burns that require immediate medical attention; First-degree burns can be easily treated with home remedies.
Home Remedies for Burns
Cool the burn site
The first thing to do in the face of burns; Cooling the injured area. To do this, the burn area can be washed with cold running water for 5 minutes or wet cold compresses can be used. Running water can help reduce pain. It sounds like a good idea though; But under no circumstances should cold water or ice be used.
Consumption of useful foods
If you want the burn symptoms to go away faster; You should not forget about diet. Some foods can speed up recovery.
Water and electrolyte drinks such as coconut milk can make up for lost water; As a result, drink as much water as possible.
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which increases collagen production and speed of recovery.
Fresh fish is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids is. These fatty acids reduce the level of inflammation and help repair damaged tissue faster.
Zinc plays an important role in regulating all stages of wound healing. Eating meat, pumpkin seeds and spinach can increase your zinc intake.
Protein is also one of the requirements for tissue repair by the body. Try to eat at least 4 to 5 ounces of protein-rich foods a day.
Avoid harmful foods
Avoiding inflammatory foods is as important and necessary as consuming inflammatory foods.
Sugar is one of the things that increases the level of inflammation and reduces the rate of recovery.
Trans and hydrogenated oils, like sugar, slow down tissue healing and prolong the period of damage. It is important to know that processed foods contain these oils, along with food coloring and chemicals, which can also slow recovery.
Treatment of burns with aloe vera
The use of aloe vera gels is one of the most common home remedies for burns. Aloe vera has a long history of treating burns due to its cooling properties. In 1959, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of aloe vera ointments as a home remedy for all types of superficial burns.
If you have a burn; You can increase the speed of recovery by preparing pure aloe vera ointments and using it (2 times a day).
Vitamin E
During a burn, the body is in a state of oxidative stress and vitamin E levels fall sharply. Despite these many studies are associated with impact Vitamin E Burns have not been treated; It is widely believed that this vitamin can heal wounds and burns.
Treatment of burns with zinc
Zinc is one of the substances that is essential for the body’s enzymatic reactions. If you feel that you are not getting enough zinc in your diet; You can increase the level of this mineral in your body by taking zinc supplements.
L-glutamine
L-Glutamine is one of the essential amino acids needed by the body to repair tissues. It can also help prevent post-burn infections. According to an article entitled “Nutrition and Chronic Wounds,” evidence suggests that taking glutamine supplements can increase gastrointestinal function and insulin sensitivity in conditions such as tissue damage, burns, and various infections. In addition, the use of this amino acid in infectious conditions can reduce the complications of infection.
Treatment of burns with antioxidant supplements
Burns can lead to inflammation and the release of free radicals in the body. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenoids and flavonoids can reduce the level of free radicals from burns.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil is one of the best home remedies for superficial burns. All studies show that using lavender oil or extract as an ointment or inhaler can reduce pain and anxiety in affected people.
To heal burn wounds, you can mix 3 to 5 drops of lavender oil with half a teaspoon of coconut oil and use the solution as an ointment on the wound.
Common burn treatments
Depending on the type of burn, the type of treatment can also vary. Severe burns require intensive medical care; However, superficial burns can also be treated at home.
Do not forget that severe burns are deep and can cause large white, brown, or black rashes on areas such as the hands, feet, and face. Superficial burns, unlike severe burns in the worst case, can lead to blisters and pain in the injured area.
Treatment of first-degree burns
Antibiotic ointments and aloe vera creams can usually be used to treat first-degree burns. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen are also recommended for the treatment of these burns.
Treatment of second degree burns
Depending on the severity of the second-degree burn, treatments may include antibiotic ointments, analgesics, or oral or injectable antibiotics. In this type of burn, it is necessary for the wound to be always clean and for the injured person to change his clothes as soon as possible.
Treatment of third degree burns
If the third-degree burn is extensive; Doctors prescribe intravenous antibiotics to prevent infection. In some cases, intravenous fluids may be used to compensate for fluid loss from burns. In very severe cases, people with this type of burn will need a skin graft.
Chemical burns
Common recommendations for treating chemical burns include using running water and washing the affected area immediately. It is necessary to remove all the jewelry that has been contaminated with the chemical and gently cover the burn area with sterile gauze so that no pressure is applied to the injured area.
Warning
- If unexplained symptoms appear after the burn or the symptoms of the infection do not go away after 2 weeks; You need to contact your doctor.
- Do not touch any blisters on the skin during the burn treatment. These blisters are full of fluid and prevent infection. If one of the blisters is gone; Wash and clean the blister area with soap and water.
- If chemical corrosives get into your eyes; You need to see a doctor.
- Before performing any treatment at home, it is necessary to consult with your doctor.