How you treat a hand burn depends on its severity. It can be treated at home if the symptoms are nothing more than some minor pain and irritation. A first degree burn involves only the upper layer of the skin. A second degree burn involves the upper layer along with lower layers; the pain is more severe in this case. A third or fourth degree burn needs immediate emergency medical help. If you have any doubt, call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room.
Step 1
Remove the hand immediately from the source that burned it and run it under cold water. If possible, keep the hand submerged in cold water for 30 minutes or longer.
Step 2
Apply aloe vera gel to the burn to help remove sting and irritation. Aloe vera gel provides a cooling, soothing sensation, and is even used in hospitals.
Step 3
Take 75 to 90 mg of vitamin C for adults daily, 15 to 65 mg for children. Adults can also take 100 mg of B complex supplements, one to three times a day, which may help speed up healing; 100 mg of zinc supplement may also be beneficial for wound healing, but do not give children more than one dose per day as too much can cause nausea.
Step 4
Apply calendula lotion to burned area once the stinging sensation has gone away. The book "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child" claims that calendula lotion can help prevent infections. The lotion can be found at many health food stores.
Step 5
Rub vitamin E oil onto the burn once it is completely closed and on its way to healing. Vitamin E oil can help prevent scarring.
Tips and Warnings
- Drink a good amount of water as the burn is healing. Eat leafy green and yellow vegetables, along with plenty of proteins, to aid in the healing process. Apply vitamin C in a liquid spray form. This may help speed up the healing process as well.
- It is an old wives' tale to rub butter into the infected area of a burn. Avoid this altogether, as it will only cause more irritation. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any blisters or if the skin is peeling after the burn cools down under the cold water.
Things You'll Need
- Aloe vera gel
- Vitamin C supplement
- B vitamin complex
- Zinc supplement
- Calendula lotion
- Vitamin E oil
References
- "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child"; Janet Zand, Robert Rountree, Bob Rountree, Rachel Walton; 2003
- "The Everything Parent's Guide to Childhood Illnesses"; Leslie Young; 2007
