Print Article
BookMark Article
10 newest articles RSS
How To Soothe Burns At Home
Author : Natalie C. Whitaker
Submitted : 2011-12-20 06:40:37 Word Count : 870 Popularity: 10
Tags: how to soothe, how to soothe burns, burns, home remedies
How to Soothe Burns
How to soothe burns depends on the type of burn, degree, extent of skin damage and presence or absence of infection. Usually, first-degree burns can be soothed with self-care. Most minor burns heal on their own, the self-care is needed to soothe and promote healing. A burn is a type of injury to flesh and it can be caused by heat, electricity, light or radiation. First degree burns affect only the skin, while more extensive second and third degree burns affect muscle, bone and blood vessels. Proper management and soothing minor burn injuries is important because they are painful and can result in disfiguring and scarring. Soothing burns can help to heal with the least amount of skin damage possible.
How to Soothe Burns with Cooling?
Soon after the burn injury, cooling for 20 to 30 minutes decreases burn progression and risk of infection. Application of cold compresses or running cold water on the burned areas reduces pain and swelling. Running cold water removes toxins from the burns and prevents complications. Cold compressions are recommended in chemical burns because they maintain the chemical in contact with the skin. Washing the burns with running water is more effective for preventing infections and soothing pain. Even, cooling gels such as Burnshield can be applied to reduce the burning sensation and pain. However, cooling should not be continued for more than 20 to 30 minutes.
How to Soothe Burns with Over-the-Counter drugs?
Application of 0.5% hydrocortisone cream to burned areas can relieve pain and swelling, and application of soothing lotions containing Aloe-Vera may also help. In first degree burns with unbroken healing skin, skin lotions such as Vaseline Intensive Care or Lubriderm is recommended. These skin lotions relieve itching but they should not used in if the burns have fluid weeping from them. Application of juice from an Aloe leaf to the first-degree burns of 2 to 3 days old can help the burn heal and provide soothing effect. Aloe-Vera plant is the best choice for soothing and healing burns. Fresh inner leaf fillets are preferred since they are rich in active ingredient called acemannen which help to sooth and heal burns. Using analgesic cream containing benzocaine, lidocaine or phenol may relive pain and suffering temporarily. Administration of NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] is advised if the pain is intolerable. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen or aspirin can help to reduce inflammation and soothe pain associated with burns. However, these drugs should not be continued for long period of time because of their side-effects.
Other alternative approaches to soothe burns include: home remedies and household items. Home remedies are natural soothers, application of chamomile tea, corn starch, honey, lavender oil, mint, oat meal or raw potato may give soothing effect. Application of moisturizing agent like cocoa butter or even vitamin E oil can be helpful to reduce pain associated with burns. How to Soothe Burns in emergency situations or when all above mentioned soothing agents are not available? Common household items such as baby powder, calamine lotion or witch hazel can be used for soothing burns in such situations. It is advised to consult a physician if burns do not improve or get worse.
Author's Resource Box
To Learn more about How to soothe burns and soothing other everday ailments, visit our website now. Our site is packed with information ranging from How to soothe burns to how to soothe a teething baby.
Article Source:
Articles Alive