When the skin and tissue suffer damage from excess heat, contact with a caustic chemical, radiation or friction, the result is a burn. Burns fall into one of three classifications, depending upon their severity. You may use home remedies to treat first-degree burns, the mildest type of burn that affects only the outer layer of the skin in a small area. Burns that affect deeper tissue or bone, and burns on more than 10 percent of the body require immediate medical treatment.
Topical Treatment
Cool a minor burn by immersing the area in cool, not cold, water. After the initial pain subsides, you may use a herbal wash to encourage healing. "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" suggests applying a tea solution made from St. John's wort, comfrey root or tea tree oil to the burn. Aloe vera may also be beneficial. Avoid applying butter or greasy ointments.
Sunburn
You may not realize it until later in the day, but overexposure to the sun's rays can result in painful sunburn. The Mayo Clinic recommends cooling the skin in a cool shower or bath or by applying cold damp towels to affected skin. To relieve the pain, take an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen. Apply soothing aloe vera gel to the reddened skin.
Sunburn can result in dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and wear lightweight clothing that covers the burned skin if you go back outside. Sunshine on a tender sunburn can make the pain worse.
Nutritional Home Remedies
Good overall health may lead to burns healing sooner. "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" mentions a potential benefit from supplementing a balanced diet with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, zinc and B-complex. Essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, may also encourage the body's natural healing process.
Remedies from the Orient
Chinese medicine focuses on balancing the yin and yang aspects of the body to encourage healing. Since burns are a result of heat, the burn victim is to eat only foods with cooling properties, including cucumbers, fresh pumpkin, potatoes, squash, mung beans, Lima beans and watermelon. In addition, you may use the juice of cucumbers as a wash to soothe minor burns.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine;" Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Mayo Clinic
- Mayo Clinic
- Revolution Health
