Tending to Burns: Tips to Keep in Your Head

Accidents that cause burns like chemical spills, a fire, or an errant piece of kindling often enough to cause panic because of the injury they cause. However, if there is one thing you need when dealing with burns, it is a quick and calm mind. Here are some tips on providing burn pain relief with common household items:

1. Remove saturated clothing in case of chemical burns.
If the burn is caused by a caustic chemical, remove items of clothing from the victim that has come to contact the chemical. Not doing so can cause the chemical to spread to other parts of the body and increase the damage.

2. Apply lavender oil to the burn.
Although it is more popular for its use in aromatherapy and as first aid for insect bites, lavender oil can also soothe burned skin. Slather on generous amounts of lavender oil on the burned surface to relieve the stinging and protect the exposed inner layer of the skin from infection.

3. Soak affected areas in cold water.
Although most people think that using an ice compress immediately on the burned surface is more practical, its extremely low temperature can further irritate the damaged skin. Instead, soak the affected area in cold water to provide gradual and temporary relief from the stinging and stop the burn from spreading.

4. Place cold tea bags on the burn for a comforting compress.
Black and green teas are known for their antioxidants but, they are also good for cooling sunburns. Just dip a tea bag in cold water and place it on the burn for a cooling fix. Aside from providing relief, the antioxidants in the teas help in fighting off infections.

5. Use aloe vera gel to soothe burned skin.
If you are outdoors and suffering from sunburn, you can use aloe vera gel to soothe the affected areas. Break off the stalk from an aloe vera plant and split it in half to get the gel inside. Apply this gel on the burned skin to cool it and soothe the stinging. In addition to this comforting coolness, aloe vera gel stimulates blood flow and proper circulation on the burn area which promotes cell renewal and speeds up healing.
6. Mix a vinegar solution and splash onto sunburned areas.
For sunburns, a vinegar solution is another handy homemade remedy. Mix equal parts of vinegar and cold water to create a solution. Splash or bathe the sunburned skin with this solution to cool it and prevent infection. Although any kind of vinegar may be used, apple cider vinegar is deemed best.

These tips and instant remedies for burn pain are just temporary fixes. It is important to seek medical attention even if the burn is not deemed serious. After applying these solutions and cleansing the burns, it is important to cover them properly. A three-layer dressing of non-adhesive adaptic gauze, dry gauze, and gauze wrap must be used to cover the burn if there is no blistering to protect the burned surface from bacteria which may cause infection. In case of blistering, petroleum jelly and a light gauze bandage must be applied. Consult a doctor immediately after protecting the burn from exposure and infection for proper treatment.