Home Remedies For Burns, Treatment Recipes

Most anyone who spends much time in the kitchen or out in the sun has experienced a burn. Causes of burns include ultraviolet light, hot liquids, fire, electricity, and chemicals. Although the skin is normally involved, hot liquids can burn the mouth and throat; inhalation of smoke and some chemicals can burn the lungs.

Burns come in three varieties:
• First-degree burns affect the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. They cause redness and pain, and, after a couple of days, peeling skin.
• Second-degree burns extend into the dermis, the bottom layer of skin. In addition to redness, pain, and swelling, they raise blisters.
• Third-degree burns, also called full-thickness burns, destroy the skin and damage underlying tissues. Because nerves are damaged, the area may be numb. Other signs include white or charred skin.

If a first- or second-degree burn occurs, swiftly remove the skin from the source of heat. Plunge the area into cool water for five minutes. If clothing can’t be quickly removed (or is stuck to the skin), thrust it into the water, too. Afterward, wash the area with mild soap and water and cover with sterile gauze. Remove any constricting jewelry from the area. If arms or legs are involved, elevate to about the level of the heart.

Once the injury has occurred, it can take twenty-four to forty-eight hours for the burn to stop progressing. Redness, blisters, and peeling will steadily evolve. We’ll discuss indications for physician treatment at the end. More severe burns can lead to dehydration, infection, scarring, and even death.

RECIPES TO TREAT BURNS

Burn Response 101
Burn victim
Preparation and use:
Pull the victim away from the fire, boiling liquid, or steam. If the victim is on fire, push him or her to the ground and roll his or her body to smother the flames. Pull away smoking material or charred clothing from victim. If clothing sticks to the skin, cut or tear around it. Immediately remove any jewelry, tight clothing, and restrictive accessories, such as belts, to prevent swelling. To treat a first-degree burn (which affects only the top layer of skin): Hold the skin under cool water until the pain is relieved or apply cool compresses. Cover with a sterile, nonstick bandage or clean cloth and do not apply ointment. Whereas cool water dispels heat, the oldfashioned treatment with butter (a simple type of ointment) can actually hold in heat. Once the wound has cooled, antibacterial ointment or healing herbal salve is fine. To treat a second-degree burn (which affects the top two layers of skin): Immerse the burn area in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes or apply cool compresses. Do not apply ice or submerge in an ice bath, as prolonged exposure to cold temperatures will further damage tissue. Cover loosely with a sterile, nonstick bandage and do not apply ointment. If the second-degree burn covers a large part of the body, also: Lay the person flat. Elevate his or her feet by about 12 inches (30 cm). Raise the burn area above the heart level. Drape the victim with a blanket or warm clothing. Call the doctor immediately. To treat a third-degree burn (which damages all layers of skin and may extend even deeper): Call 911. Cover the area with a sterile, nonstick bandage, a sheet for larger areas, or any clean material that will not leave cloth in the wound. Separate the victim’s fingers and toes with sterile cloth. Do not apply water or ointments.
YIELD: Different for each circumstance
How it works:
Burns require immediate attention. Assess the situation and act as set out above. Never take a chance. See a doctor immediately for second-degree burns. Dial 911 when a fire or other life-threatening situation causes third-degree burns.

Aloe-ah Burns
1 tablespoon (15 g) Aloe vera gel (Look for a product that’s at least 90 percent aloe.) 10 drops lavender essential oil
Preparation and use:
Blend the aloe gel and essential oil to make a paste. Apply the paste as needed to the burn.
YIELD: several applications for a small burn
How it works:
Aloe vera gel inhibits painproducing substances. It is anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation, and inhibits bacteria and fungi. Studies show that it speeds healing of burns and wounds, improves psoriasis, and enhances tissue survival after frostbite. Although not all studies have been positive, cumulative research does indicate that topical aloe gel benefits first- and second-degree burns. Lavender essential oil is anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antibacterial, and antifungal.

Sweet Soother Honey 
(a fresh, uncontaminated jar)
Preparation and use:
With a clean butter knife, spread the honey on a piece of sterile gauze large enough to cover the burn. Tape the edges of the gauze in place so that the bandage is comfortable—not too tight across the burn. Every 6 hours, gently wash the skin and change the dressing.
YIELD: 1 application
How it works:
Honey is an ancient wound healer. Scientific studies show it’s antibacterial and speeds healing of burns on par with the more conventional burn dressings containing silver sulfadiazine. Note: Manuka honey is especially effective if you are concerned about skin infection. (It is available at health food stores and is expensive.) Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of Aloe vera gel and apply to the gauze. You’ll get double the healing action.

Tea-Total Compress 
½ cup (120 ml) boiling water Green or black tea bag (chamomile is a favorite)
Preparation and use:
Pour the boiling water into a cup. Dunk your tea bag of choice. Steep and let cool to room temperature. Dip the clean cloth into the tea and apply to the burn.
YIELD: 1 application
How it works:
Tea compresses are a timehonored treatment for sunburns. Tea (Camellia sinensis) is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and astringent (contracts the skin). Green tea has captured more of the research than has black tea (which is darker due to further processing). Relative to black tea, green tea has stronger antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Experiments show green tea extracts applied to the skin provide some protection against the detrimental effects of ultraviolet light. Consuming green tea does, too. Although it protects against skin damage from solar radiation, topical green tea extract appears to be more effective when applied before, rather than after, sunburn. German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing. Lab experiments show it improved healing of burns and other wounds. Note: Alternatively, apply the cooled tea bag directly to the irritated skin.

Lavender Soothe-sayer
This recipe is suitable only for small burns, no greater than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. 2 drops lavender essential oil
Preparation and use:
Smooth the essential oil over the burned area.
YIELD: 1 application
How it works:
The essential oil made from the lavender flower relieves discomfort and reduces inflammation. Studies also show improved healing of surgical wounds. Note: Essential oils are not true oils. Do not apply true oils, such as olive, almond, or vegetable oils to burned skin until the burn has fully resolved.

Onion Poultice
½ freshly cut onion, diced ½ teaspoon salt
Preparation and use:
Mash the onion pieces with the salt or blend in a food processor. Apply the mixture directly to the burn, and then wrap with clean muslin.
YIELD: 1 application
How it works:
The juice of an onion is a disinfectant. The coolness of an onion slice can also draw out heat. Raw, cool potato slices have been used to relieve burned skin, but there is no evidence-based research to support why. Note: As a quick alternative, apply a slice of freshly cut onion or potato directly to the burned area for 15 minutes to draw out the heat.

Oat Balm 
6 tablespoons (30 g) rolled oats ¾ cup (175 ml) water
Preparation and use:
Combine the oats and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until cooked. Let cool. Cover the burned area with the cooled oat mixture. Wrap in clean muslin or gauze and keep it in place for 30 minutes to an hour.
YIELD: 1 application
How it works:
Oatmeal is soothing to burned skin. The gooeyness comes from a polysaccharide (complex sugar) called beta-glucan. It helps protect and hold water in the skin. Other compounds called phenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Note: Alternatively, in coffee mill or food processor, grind ½ cup (40 g) of rolled oats to a powder and add to a tepid bath. If you don’t want to grind the oats, put them in a sock and tie the top to avoid clogging your drain. Swish the sock around for 5 minutes before you step into the bathtub.

When simple Doesn’t Work
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) for pain.
• Over-the-counter anesthetic creams and sprays can reduce discomfort.

When to call the Doctor 
Call 911 for thirddegree burns, lightning strikes, or electrical burns (from being electrocuted). While awaiting help, cover the area with a sterile bandage or clean sheet. Do not submerse in cool water. Elevate burned limbs above the heart. Call poison control (the US National Poison Hotline is 8002221222) for chemical burns. Proceed to the emergency room if:
• A chemical burned your eye.
• The burn involves your face, hands, feet, genitals, throat, or a joint. (If minor sunburn affects the face, hands, or feet, you can probably manage with home care.)
• A second-degree burn is larger than the size of your hand.
• Smoke was inhaled.
• You otherwise suspect the burn is serious.
• The burn victim is an infant. Visit the doctor or clinic if:
• Your tetanus shot is out of date.
• Pain continues for longer than for ty-eight hours.
• You’re concerned the wound might be becoming infected (as evidenced by purulent discharge, swollen lymph nodes in the area, or increased redness and pain).
• The wound is not healing. First-degree burns should heal within three to six days. Seconddegree burns can take two weeks.