Managing burns and scalds using home remedies (Episode 2)

In my previous post, I did explain what a burn and scald is and how you can apply tap or lukewarm water to the affected area, what to look out for and how to avoid such incidences especially homes with little kids, plus when to rush the affected person to the hospital...see post here

We are aware that cases of burns can occur unexpectedly even to the most careful and vigilant parent which is why it is usually an accident. It is a serious condition leading to huge pains and sometimes trauma. The main essence of curing burns centers on taking appropriate measures once they occur with no delay. However, most people are not aware of which home remedies to use that will help prevent the intensity of the burns and the damage it can cause to the affected individual. Do not use Ice on burns as it can restrict blood flow to the skin thereby further damaging the tissue. Better run the affected area on tap or lukewarm water for like 15 minutes so as to stop the injury from spreading.

This episode will be short and simple so that folks can better grasp the information for easier application. We are going to learn how to use some simple home remedies which when applied immediately after a burn incidence, can help control the damage if not as in some cases take care of the burn completely . Be aware that in severe cases or issues related to minors below 5 years, pregnant women and the elderly ensure you take them to see a doctor to avoid any complications.

Below are some home remedies...

1. Honey

As a natural antibiotic, Honey is famous as sore throat remedy and helps to prevent burns from being infected as such is a very effective home remedy that you can apply on burns to get rid of it effectively. It has a natural ph balance that is inhospitable to bacteria and once applied topically on the affected area can kill any existing bacteria or infection that is lingering on the skin.

Method of application

It is very simple to use honey as a home remedy for burns by just applying it on the affected area and cover with a clean cloth.

Benefits of using honey as home remedy

 Honey can help treat the burns effectively

 Has a cooling effect on the burns

 It provides instant relief from pain that comes due to burns

 With honey, once your burn is healed, helps in preventing any kind of scarring

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used on issues related to burns

Method of application

Sprinkle some on the affected area.

A saturated solution of baking soda can also be applied while making cloth wring and wrap it around the burned surface. Once the baking soda dries up, keep changing the wring and once you get relief from the pain you can then remove the dressing

3. Milk:

This is one of the simplest home remedy used in treating burns. Milk is rich in fat and protein which soothes burns and promotes healing.

Method of application

For quick relief, soak the affected area in milk for about 15 minutes or

Soak a cloth in milk and place it on the burn surface area. Remember to change the cloth regularly.

You can as well use full fat, whole milk yogurt which can also help cool and hydrate your parched skin

4: Cotton with sweet oil or castor oil

You can easily treat burn with common wading using cotton.

Method of application

Get a piece of cotton and apply directly on the burn surface.

For a severe case, apply some sweet oil on the cotton and place it on the burn surface.

Alternatively, use castor oil which gives more cooling effect than sweet oil

Nb: Do not take off the cotton dressing as it will come off on its own

5: Vanilla

For minor cases related to burn, go for vanilla extract.

Method of application

With a cotton swab, gently dab vanilla onto the burned surface. The effect of alcohol evaporation in vanilla extract cools the burn which alleviates pain

6. Mint toothpaste

Always keep a tube of white, minty toothpaste in the kitchen which can serve as a home remedy to relief minor burns which can happen accidentally by touching something hot without a potholder or mistakenly get splattered by boiling water.

Method of application

First and foremost, run the scalded area under cold water for between 10 to 15 minutes after which you gently dry the area with a paper towel, thereafter, cover the area with layer of toothpaste.

7: Tea Bag

You can use black tea to treat burns as it contains tannic acid, which draws heat from burns making them less painful.

Method of application:

Place 2 or 3 cool, wet black tea bag on burn surface, use gauze to hold the bag in place.

Conclusion: In this post I listed some home remedies for the management of burns and or scalds mostly in minor cases like using honey, baking soda, mint toothpaste, tea bag , vanilla, using cotton along with sweet or castor oil and milk... however, in most cases, endeavor to start any case of burns by using cool running water to ensure the injured area does not spread and for cases of minors below 5 yrs, pregnant women and the elderly, ensure they get further medical attention to avoid any complications. Next episode will deal more on other home remedies and what not to do during issues related to burns and scalds.

Remember to do good to someone by resteeming this, do support me with your upvotes and comment with your own personal experiences on managing issues related to burns and scalds at home. Follow for more coming up soon...