How to Treat Burns And Scalds at Home

How to Treat Burns And Scalds at Home
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Introduction

While second and third degree burns require immediate medical attention, you can learn how to treat minor or first degree burns (burns that are smaller than the size of your hand) at home. Prompt first aid will help minimize tissue damage and smart use of natural ingredients will provide relief from pain, prevent infection and speed up the healing mechanism.

The First Step

Act fast and immediately place the burnt area under cool water and keep it immersed for at least 15 minutes.

If fresh water is not available, you may use cold milk which works well to soothe the skin.

Once you are done with the cold water treatment, cover the burn loosely with a plastic sheet/wrap to keep out air-borne bacteria.

Place a wet cloth over the plastic to bring down the temperature.

Leave the burn alone for at least a day and don’t touch or break the blisters (if any).

Nature’s Soothers

Once the burn is a couple of days old, you can begin using home remedies to promote healing.

- Fresh Aloe Vera gel forms a protective coating over the burn and acts as a natural antiseptic.

- A clean cloth soaked in chamomile tea or calendula ointment promotes faster healing.

- A cold compress of witch hazel helps soothe the burning and irritation.

- Prepare a tea by boiling St John’s wort in a cup of water. Cool the infusion and use as a compress.

- Honey works wonders as it is a natural emollient and prevents scarring. Manuka honey is the best.

- Good doses of Vitamin C and E boost up the body’s cell regenerating ability.

- If you don’t happen to have any herbs around, apply a pack of cold milk at regular intervals.

Remedies for Oral Scalds

If you have accidentally eaten something scalding hot, cool down the interiors of your mouth by sucking on an ice cube. After 15-20 minutes, gargle with a salt water solution to prevent infection. Avoid hot drinks, spice and crunchy foods for a few days. Licorice tea or licorice tablets will also sooth the scalded skin and reduce inflammation.

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