{"id":5763,"date":"2021-12-09T18:10:30","date_gmt":"2021-12-09T18:10:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/dermatology\/how-to-heal-a-burn-10-effective-tips\/"},"modified":"2021-12-09T18:10:30","modified_gmt":"2021-12-09T18:10:30","slug":"how-to-heal-a-burn-10-effective-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/dermatology\/how-to-heal-a-burn-10-effective-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"How to heal a burn (10 effective tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, with an area of \u200b\u200btwo square meters. But beyond being the most superficial area of \u200b\u200bthe body, it develops vital functions in it, being the first defense barrier against microorganisms, housing the sense of touch and regulating our communication with the external environment.<\/p>\n

But all this also implies that it is exposed to many threats and dangers from the outside that can compromise its morphology and physiology, with all the complications that this can lead to. And in this context, fire, electricity, heat, radiation and abrasive chemicals are undoubtedly one of the main dangers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And is that all of them can cause skin burns, which are defined as more or less deep and serious injuries in the skin tissues due to the action of fire or heat that cause the death of skin cells, something that can lead to problems aesthetic due to the appearance of scars but also potentially severe health risks.<\/p>\n

And although the treatment of a burn, especially the deeper ones, requires support from a doctor, it is important to know how to heal them at home to promote their recovery and reduce the risk of both health complications and unsightly problems. Therefore, in today's article and from the hand of the most prestigious scientific publications, let's see how a burn has to heal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What is a burn?<\/h2>\n

Burns are injuries to skin tissues caused by fire, heat, radiation, electricity or abrasive chemical agents.<\/strong> and that, through the death of the affected cells, causes more or less serious and more or less deep damage in the different layers of the skin. Depending on their severity, they can have serious health consequences.<\/p>\n

Even so, it all depends on the duration of exposure to the damage, the severity, the causative agent and the layers of the skin affected. Therefore, it is essential to describe how burns can be classified into three different grades, something on which their clinical approach depends. These are the main types of burns:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \nFirst degree burns<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    They are the mildest since they only affect the epidermis<\/strong>, the most superficial layer of the skin, without affecting the deeper layers. Most of these are caused by brief contact with a hot surface or, above all, by exposure to solar radiation. The lesions are perceived as reddened areas on the skin and there may be pain, peeling, and dryness but no blisters develop. Beyond these symptoms, they do not carry complications.<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \nSecond degree burns<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      They are more severe lesions that also affect the dermis, the middle layer of the skin located below the epidermis. Most are due to contact with boiling water, flames, a lot of solar radiation, electrocution, abrasive substances ... The lesion becomes inflamed and takes on a dark red color. painful blisters form<\/strong> and the skin becomes discolored and takes on a wet texture. In this case, there is a risk of complications: infections, sensitivity to solar radiation and the risk that the damaged area is permanently lighter than the rest and \/ or that there is scarring with indelible marks.<\/p>\n

        \n
      • \nThird degree burns<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        The most serious injuries of all since they affect the deepest layer of the skin: the hypodermis. They require immediate medical attention as they can lead to life-threatening complications<\/strong>. Dry, inflamed leather-like lesions are seen, and black, yellow, white, or brown wounds develop. Paradoxically, they do not cause pain since the nerves have been destroyed. The risks are like those of the second degree but much more probable and severe and we should add the possibility of a multi-organ failure that can be fatal.<\/p>\n

        How do burns have to be treated?<\/h2>\n

        As we can deduce from what we have seen, each type of burn requires different attention. And for many tips that we see now, common sense should prevail. If we see that we have a very serious burn beyond a first degree burn, we must request medical attention because at home we will not be able to give ourselves the care to guarantee its correct recovery and that the risk of complications is low. With that said, let's see how we should treat a burn at home.<\/p>\n

        1. Put fresh water<\/h3>\n

        After burning our skin (when it is a slight burn), the first thing we should always do is let fresh water run (it does not have to be cold) through the area of \u200b\u200bthe injury. This is very important as a first approach to avoid further complications and, if we can, we should be 10-15 minutes<\/strong> with the stream of water on the burn.<\/p>\n

        \n<\/picture>
        \n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        2. Gently clean with soap and water<\/h3>\n

        After this first phase of letting fresh water run through the burn, what we have to do is, while the skin has not fully recovered, keep it clean. After all, it is a wound in the skin that can be the entrance of pathogens. For this reason, it is important that, without abusing it, we wash it gently (important so as not to damage the fabric further) with water and neutral soap for the skin. In this way, we will reduce the risk of infection.<\/p>\n

        3. Apply cold compresses<\/h3>\n

        With the skin already clean, the use of cold compresses is highly recommended to address burns. It can also be used with damp cloths (as long as they are clean) but it is important that they are not too cold, as it can further irritate the skin. Be that as it may, these compresses will help us relieve inflammation and reduce pain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        4. Using antibiotic ointments<\/h3>\n

        For more severe burns, cleaning the burned area with soap and water may not be enough. There are several topical products that consist of creams with antibiotic substances that prevent the development of bacterial populations on the wound. It must be taken into account that they can cause reactions in people who are allergic to certain antibiotics. They should only be applied on the recommendation of a physician.<\/p>\n

        5. Avoid sun exposure<\/h3>\n

        When we burn our skin (by any agent), we must flee from exposure to solar radiation. The sunlight shining directly on the skin can cause that, taking into account that the area is more sensitive, the healing is slower and even that there is a greater risk of developing complications. Therefore, if the street is sunny, we should, as far as possible, ensure that burned skin is well covered with clothing<\/strong> or, if this is not possible due to the location, with a dressing.<\/p>\n

        \n<\/picture>
        \n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        6. Keep skin hydrated<\/h3>\n

        To heal any type of injury, the skin needs proper hydration. 30% of the skin is water and it is essential that it has enough to promote its repair. So in addition to drinking enough water, we should also apply moisturizers to the wound. Remember, however, that we do not have to \"drown\" the burn. The skin needs to breathe.<\/p>\n

        7. Don't break blisters (if they appear)<\/h3>\n

        As we have seen, it is possible that blisters appear in second degree burns (not in first degree ones), so you have to know how to act. And in this sense, in addition to following the indications that we have seen, the most important thing is not to explode the blisters. It is one of the most serious mistakes we can make, because lymphatic fluid within them is speeding up recovery and breaking them up greatly increases the risk of infection<\/strong>Well, we happen to have an open wound.<\/p>\n

        8. Take over-the-counter pain relievers<\/h3>\n

        Most burns are painful not only in the moment, but during recovery. Even sometimes and in the face of more serious burns, a fever may appear. So if you think you need it, you can always turn to an over-the-counter pain reliever that will reduce this pain sensation. The most recommended would be paracetamol, as it is very effective in these cases and has few side effects.<\/p>\n

        9. Apply honey or aloe vera<\/h3>\n

        We leave them for last since they are natural remedies, but they can still be very effective. Due to its anti-inflammatory and even antibiotic properties, applying honey or aloe vera topically can be a good way to speed up recovery from the burn. Many studies support its effectiveness, especially aloe vera.<\/p>\n

        \n<\/picture>
        \n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        10. For third degree burns, medical treatment<\/h3>\n

        Everything we've seen serves to first degree burns and, always with more control, second degree. But when faced with a third degree burn, which can be life-threatening, they are obviously not useful. In that case, we must seek medical attention immediately and put ourselves in the hands of a medical team<\/strong>, which will treat the burn as required.<\/p>\n

        In a third degree burn you will have to apply special bandages, remove dead skin tissue, perform therapies to facilitate blood circulation, apply assisted respiration (in some cases), administer intravenous electrolytes, administer antibiotics, consume nutritional supplements and, in more severe cases, skin transplant surgery may even be necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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        The skin is the largest organ in the human body, with an…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5764,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5763","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dermatology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5763","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5763"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5763\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5763"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enorcerna.com\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}