Burns, whether minor or severe, demand immediate attention and proper care to promote healing and prevent complications. From scalds in the kitchen to sunburns after a day outdoors, knowing how to handle burns and having the right products on hand is essential. This article delves into the effective treatments and products available to manage burns effectively.
First Aid Treatment
A burn, whether caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or the sun, requires prompt action for proper first aid. Here are steps to take immediately after a burn occurs:
- Assess the Severity: Determine the degree of the burn. Minor burns typically exhibit redness and mild pain, while severe burns involve blistering, charring, and more intense pain.
- Cool the Burn: For minor burns (first-degree), run cool water over the affected area for several minutes. Avoid using ice, as extreme cold can further damage the skin.
- Remove Clothing and Jewelry: If the burn is caused by clothing or jewelry, carefully remove them to prevent further damage once the area swells.
- Protect the Burn: Cover the burn loosely with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth to shield it from dirt and bacteria. Avoid breaking any blisters that may have formed.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Seek Medical Attention: For severe burns (second- or third-degree), or burns larger than the palm of your hand, seek immediate medical attention.
Remember, these steps are basic first aid measures. For serious burns or if you’re uncertain about the severity of the injury, always seek professional medical help.
Helpful Products for Treating Burns
These products are highly recommended, and every first aid kit should have something in it specifically for treating burns. It’s best to buy a product like this before you need it, because when the time comes, you will want to provide yourself or a loved one with instant burn relief.
Burn-FIX First Aid Burn Gel Dressing
A pack of these gel dressings is always great to keep on hand, as they provide fast relief.
CVS Health Burn Relief Gel
Need something quick? CVS carries a burn relief gel that is highly effective! It’s a lidocaine HCI based treatment gel and it does provide quick relief from the pain.
MG217 Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cooling Burn Spray
MG217 Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cooling Burn Spray provides rapid and potent relief for sunburns with its 4% Lidocaine formula, combined with soothing aloe vera and camphor.
FAQ
No, applying butter, oil, or similar substances on a burn can trap heat and worsen the injury. Stick to cool water and sterile dressings.
It’s advised not to pop blisters caused by burns. Blisters act as natural bandages, protecting the skin underneath. Popping them increases the risk of infection.
No, these items aren’t recommended for treating burns. Using toothpaste or vinegar can irritate the skin and delay proper healing.
For minor burns with intact skin (first-degree burns), applying a thin layer of antibiotic ointment after cooling the burn can help prevent infection.
Ice is not advisable for burn treatment. Extremely cold temperatures can further damage the skin. Instead, use cool (not cold) running water.
Aloe vera gel, especially from a fresh plant, can provide soothing relief for minor burns. However, avoid using it on severe burns or those with broken skin.
Yes, blistering is a common response to second-degree burns. Blisters help protect the injured skin as it heals. If blisters are large or painful, seek medical advice.
Yes, once cooled, loosely cover the burn with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Avoid wrapping it too tightly, as this can restrict circulation and cause discomfort.
