It remains a commonly held belief that most accidents occur in the home. And none occurs more often than a burn. Ranging from the very minor to the very serious, burns can render their victims debilitated. And even the smallest burn can be intensely painful. Knowing how to attend to burns with first aid burn treatment can mean the difference between a minor mishap and a major calamity.

First and foremost, if the burn is severe; that is it is swelling, blistering severely, or covering a large area of skin; waste no time in getting to a medical facility for proper treatment. Severe burns – those that are second or third degree – can be extremely dangerous so the quicker the first aid burn treatment, the better.

If this is the case, assess the victim’s vitals – breathing, pulse rate, etc. – and call for emergency services immediately. Never remove clothing surrounding a severe burn, as in many cases the skin will have fused to the clothing. Additionally, do not apply cold water to severe burns as this can induce shock. Most important when it comes to first aid burn treatment of a severe burn is to keep the wound clean and moist. Damp tepid compresses and clean dressings will suffice until emergency help arrives.

For the minor burns that most happen in and around our homes – the first degree burn – first aid burn treatment can be more involved. Since the first degree burn only affects the first layer of skin, this first aid burn treatment is mostly topical in nature. First and foremost, run the burn under cold water to cease the burning process. You can then apply an antibiotic cream and loosely wrap the burn in clean, dry cloth. An over-the-counter pain reliever will more than likely be enough to reduce any discomfort. If the burn does not seem to be healing after several days following the first aid burn treatment, consult a medical professional.

Burns can happen any time; it’s best to keep a first aid kit handy with any necessary inclusions for first aid burn treatment such as gauze and burn ointment. Keep emergency numbers within sight and always know the quickest and most direct route to the nearest hospital.

A little preparation will go a long way to ensuring a successful first aid burn treatment should it ever become necessary.

Unlike third degree burns that require immediate medical attention, small everyday household burns are easy to handle. No matter how you burned yourself, the key to quick relief is quick relief. What you do in the first few minutes after being burned makes a whole lot of difference in how well your skin heals.

Milk is an excellent compress of minor burns. Simply soak the burned area in the milk for 15 minutes or so or apply a cloth soaked in milk to the affected area. The fat content in the milk soothes the burns and promotes healing.

After 24 hours or so, wash the burned area gently with soap and water daily. Keep the burn dry and clean and covered with bandage between washings.

Using too much of ice or extreme ice cold water can make the burn worse. Cool, not cold, water will stop the burning from spreading through your tissues and will act as a temporary painkiller.

Aloe Vera shortens the healing process. Two or three days after the burn, simply open a leaf and smear its liquid directly on the burn, the coolness of its “juice” brings welcome relief from the pain. Reapply four to six times daily, with or without a bandage covering.

Eat plenty of citrus fruits, potatoes and broccoli that are rich in vitamin C as it helps in healing process for burns and other wounds.

Like Vitamin C, vitamins A & E too speed up the healing process for burns. Green fruits and veggies, cereals and nuts are high in vitamins A & E respectively.

Apply vitamin E from capsule directly to the burn to experience faster healing and prevent scarring.

For quick recovery time and healthier skin after burns, consume foods rich in zinc.

Apply white Colgate toothpaste liberally over the wound. Keep it overnight. Next morning, there will hardly be any pain or burning sensation.

Cut potato slices and put it on the burns. The starch in the potato neutralizes the burn, pain and prevents scarring.

Honey applied over burns cools, removes pain and aids fast healing. A salve and antibiotic, bacteria’s cannot exist in honey. Cover the area with some gauze.

Lavender oil takes the sting out of the pain, speeds up the healing process and prevents scarring. First clean the burn with mild soap and water, combine lavender oil with almond or olive oil in the ratio of 1:3. Apply this mixture liberally over the burn at least 3 times a day leaving the wound uncovered.

Calendula, an antiseptic & anti-inflammatory, which is applied topically to speed healing and prevent infection.

Coat the burned skin with egg white as it helps keep the wound from drying out.

For minor burns, rub some mustard on the burned area. Despite stinging, it takes the pain away and reduces blisters and scarring.

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