Home Remedies for Burns

Burns are of three degrees, according to severity. First-degree burns cause painful redness but may not form blisters. Sunburns and common household burns are always first degree. Second-degree burns cause blisters and may damage the second layer of skin lying below the dead upper layer. This leads to the formation of scars and hair loss, depending on the intensity and area of burn. Third-degree burns are the most dangerous, piercing the skin, the fat and reaching muscle and bone. There is no pain since the nerves are also destroyed, but due to the associated second-degree burn it can be painful.

For first- and second-degree burns that are not very severe, the following treatment is useful.

1. Immediate immersion in a bath of ice water numbs the pain and slows inflammation.
2. Immediate application of a mixture of mustard oil and salt on the burnt area prevents formation of blisters. Apply twice or thrice after every five to ten minutes.
3. Draw off clear water from the mixture of water with slaked lime. Mix with equal parts of plain water and apply on the burnt area. Burning sensation vanishes immediately and the chances of blister formation are reduced. Apply twice or thrice.
4. Apply glycerine immediately on the burnt area.
5. The practise of auto-urine therapy in case of severe' burns is very useful.
6. For sunburns, cool baths and cool compresses provide relief.
7. Application of Calamine lotion is also useful for sunburns.
8. The season's first exposure to the sun should be no longer than 15 minutes for the sensitive and one hour for dark people. Avoid moving in the sun. The best time for the first sun exposure is morning or late afternoon.
9. Care should be taken to avoid burning when you are on sand or snow, since both surfaces reflect light from the sun.
10. A doctor should treat severe second-degree and third-degree bums because most complications occur due to infection in the case of bums. To avoid infection sterile dressings and proper medication is necessary.

Database of home and herbal remedies for most common illnesses.