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Ways to Treat Minor Burns at Home

Most of us experience minor burns, which are a common injury. Most frequently, these burns take place from the stove, oven or curling iron, to name a few. There are three degrees of burns such as:

• First degree burns : This is also known as minor burns. It affects only the upper layer of the skin called the epidermis. The symptoms are mild to sharp pain, inflammation and swelling.
• Second degree burns: These burns affect the outer as well as several deeper layers of the skin. The symptoms for this degree of burn are more painful and include intense pain, swelling, redness and blistering.
• Third degree burns: These burns cause severe damage to all layers of the skin, reaching the underlying tissue and destroying the nerves in the affected area.

The second degree and third degree burns need instant medical assistance, while first-degree burns can successfully be treated at home.

Following are the ways to treat minor burns at home:

• The initial step is to remove any clothing or jewelry that is in contact with the burnt skin.
• Place the burnt area below running water or tepid water and wash it carefully, until the pain has reduced considerably, for about 15 to 20 minutes. Doing so will reduce the itchy sensation.
• The next best option to apply a cold compress over the affected area, for about 30 minutes.
• Apply a good quality moisturizing lotion after the skin has cooled down considerably, to alleviate the skin and prevent dryness.
• Always cover the wound with clothing or a bandage.
• If the burn results in formation of tender blisters filled with liquid, eject the liquid for speedy recovery. Simply sterilize a needle with 70% alcohol and punch a tiny hole in the blister to remove the liquid.
• Further, wash the blistered area with plenty of water.
• Apply an antibiotic cream or lotion on the affected area of the skin.
• Cover the wound with cream or bandage and do not expose it to ultraviolet light or sun. Apply a sunscreen lotion in order to prevent the wound from sun exposure, which would be a good choice.
• In case of sunburns on face, one of the most efficient ways of treating them is to apply a 1-2% hydrocortisone cream or an anesthetic agent.

Tips to treat burns:

• Before touching or treating burns, it is suggested to wash your hands thoroughly. If possible, wear gloves.
• Do not rub an ice cube on the burnt area as this can result in frostbite, thus worsening the condition.
• Avoid the application of butter or oil on the skin as this can worsen burning sensation and result in greater damage (infection in some cases).
• To avoid infection guard the burnt area from dust and dirt.
• In case the burn has occurred on foot, it is suggested to walk on it to cure the wound faster and avoid swelling and infection.