BURN

Burns are an inevitable part of everybody’s lives. Once in a lifetime people will have to go through the experience either due to carelessness or due to any unexpected incident.  

Children are at a higher risk category of suffering from burns, owing to their endless attraction towards the fire. Though most of the burns are quite harmless, some of them need immediate medical intervention. They might even cause permanent scarring. If unattended, this may lead to infections and some other complications.

Burns is considered to be the tissue damage that which is resulted due to heat, overexposure to the radiation from the sun, any accident due to chemical or electrical contact. The treatment of burns depends on the location and severity of the condition. Usually, sunburns and scalds can be treated at home. Widespread burns require immediate attention.

Category of burns

First-Degree Burns

The burns that cause only the least damage to the skin are termed as first degree burns. They affect only the outer most layer of the skin which rarely shows any blister. Other symptoms associated with these include redness, inflammation, and slight peeling of the skin.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns penetrate beyond the outermost layer of the skin. These shows skin blisters and sometimes become sore. If the blister happens to pop, the liquid inside the blister comes out. Depending upon the severity, it will take longer to heal.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns affect extensively through all the layers of the skin. They often cause nerve damage and numbness to the affected part These are very severe and are potential enough to cause scarring. This requires immediate medical attention.

Fourth degree Burns

Burns when extends to the bones and tendons are called as fourth-degree burns. They are extremely severe.

Burns are caused by:

• Fire
• Contact with hot liquid or steam
• Contact hot metal, glass or other objects
• Electrical Currents
• Radiation, such as that from X-rays
• Heavy sunlight
• Accident occurring due to unintended exposure to Chemicals such as strong acids, lye, paint thinner or gasoline
• Abuse 

Complications of deep spread burn may include: 

• Bacterial infection, which may lead to sepsis (bloodstream infection)
• Hypovolemia (Fluid loss, including low blood volume)
• Hypothermia (very low body temperature)
• Breathing problems as a result of the intake of hot air or smoke
• Scars or ridged areas often caused by keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) 
• Sometimes the scar tissues affect the bones and joints by shortening and tightening of skin, muscles, and tendons. 

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency medical assistance for:

• Burns that which covers the whole area of hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, any major joint or the burn which covers a large part of the body
• Burns that affect all layers of the skin or even deeper tissues
• Burns that cause the skin to look leathery
• Burns that results in patches of black, brown or white
• Burns caused due to chemical usage or electricity
• Difficulty breathing or burns to the airway
• All first-aid measures should be taken while waiting for emergency assistance.

Signs of infection, like oozing from the wound, unbearable pain, redness and swelling

A burn or blister that takes more than two weeks to heal. 

Significant scarring

5 Effective Home Remedies for Burns

Aloe vera gel

Fresh Aloe vera leaves are taken and the gel is scrapped out. This should be evenly applied in the area of burns. 

Aloe vera soothes the skin, makes it cool. The gel has antioxidant properties and its one among the best anti-inflammatory drugs. Due to its antibacterial properties, it prevents the burns from infections. It prevents from scarring and blistering.

Organic Honey

Slather some authentic organic honey on the burns. This can be repeated thrice daily.  

Honey is considered as a natural antibiotic as it has a natural pH balance that prevents further infection. Honey also possess antioxidant properties and thus helps to heal the burn faster. 

Drops of Virgin coconut oil

Apply virgin coconut oil directly to the burn area with fingertips. Leave it undisturbed and allow it to absorb. This can be continued at least thrice daily. 

Coconut oil is a very common and effective home remedy for burns. It helps in cell regeneration and can also penetrate into the skin. It also serves as a coolant and prevents from blistering and scarring of burned skin.

Turmeric paste

A paste made out of turmeric powder and plain water can be applied locally over the burnt area, provides fast relief for the burns. 

Turmeric is a time unknown remedy for most of the diseases. It can be used in various forms. This is a sure shot remedy for burns. Turmeric has antiseptic properties, so, helps in protection from infection. 

Banana leaf Juice

Take a fresh banana leaf and clean it. Cut into small pieces and crush them to get the juice out of it. Apply this juice to the burns which help in fast recovery. 

The leaves are proved to be mild antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemorrhagic in its properties. This protects from blistering, oozing and infection.