Andrew
Rinse the burn
Rinse burned skin with cool water until the pain stops. Rinsing will usually stop the pain in 15 to 30 minutes. The cool water lowers the skin temperature and stops the burn from becoming more serious. You may:
Place arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, or toes in a basin of cool water.
Apply cool compresses to burns on the face or body.
Do not use ice or ice water, which can cause tissue damage.
Take off any jewelry, rings or clothing that could be in the way or that would become too tight if the skin swells.
Clean the burn
Wash your hands before cleaning a burn. Do not touch the burn with your hands or anything dirty, because open blisters can easily be infected.
Do not break the blisters.
Gently wash the burn area with clean water. Some of the burned skin might come off with washing. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze.
Do not put sprays or butter on burns, because this traps the heat inside the burn.
Bandaging the burn
If the burned skin or blisters have not broken open, a bandage may not be needed. If the burned skin or unbroken blisters are likely to become dirty or be irritated by clothing, apply a bandage.
If the burned skin or blisters have broken open, a bandage is needed. To further help prevent infection, apply a clean bandage whenever your bandage gets wet or soiled. If a bandage is stuck to a burn, soak it in warm water to make the bandage easier to remove. If available, use a non-stick dressing. There are many bandage products available. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.
Wrap the burn loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin.
Do not tape a bandage so that it circles a hand, arm or leg. This can cause swelling.
There are many non-prescription burn dressings available. Be sure to follow the instructions included in the package.
If you have pain, take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever.
Antibiotic ointments and creams help prevent infections.
If the burn is on a leg or an arm, keep the limb raised as much as possible for the first 24 to 48 hours to decrease swelling. Move a burned leg or arm normally to keep the burned skin from healing too tightly, which can limit movement.
Other remedies
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is often touted as the “burn plant.” Studies show evidence that aloe vera is effective in healing first- to second-degree burns. Aloe is anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Apply a layer of pure aloe vera gel taken from the leaf of an aloe vera plant directly to the affected area. If you buy aloe vera in a store, make sure it contains a high percentage of aloe vera. Avoid products that have additives, especially colouring and perfumes.
Honey
When applied topically, honey is an anti-inflammatory and naturally antibacterial and antifungal.
Reducing sun exposure
Do your best to avoid exposing the burn to direct sunlight. The burned skin will be very sensitive to the sun. Keep it covered with clothing.
Remedies to stay away from
Butter
Do not use butter on a burn. There is little to no evidence supporting the effectiveness of butter as a burn remedy. On top of that, it may actually make your burn worse. Butter retains heat and also may be harbouring harmful bacteria that can infect the burned skin. Save your butter for your bread.
Oils
Coconut oil does not heal everything. Just like butter and many other oils, it holds heat in and can even cause the skin to continue to burn.
Egg whites/toothpaste
Uncooked egg whites carry a risk of bacterial infection and should not be placed on a burn. Eggs can also cause an allergic reaction. Never apply toothpaste to a burn.
Ice
Ice and very cold water can actually irritate your burn area more. Ice may even cause a cold burn if used improperly.
*Third-degree burns should never be treated at home.
Online Reporter