Burns occur on a daily basis in all kinds of situations whether it’s a flat iron accident or a sunburn. They range from first degree to fourth degree depending on the severity of the injury. It is highly crucial to take care of burn wounds to prevent infections and ease the healing process. These are some tips on how to care for a burn.
- Avoid Sun Exposure
The last thing you want to do to a heat wound is to inflict more heat on it. Avoid the sun by scheduling your activities for early morning or late evening when the sun isn’t so hot. You should also apply and re-apply sunscreen often if you’re going to be out in the sun.
- Reduce Post-Burn Itch With Bio Oil
A study showed that 90% of burn patients report itching after their injuries. While healing, burn wounds develop itchiness which is annoying and can be detrimental to the healing process. By using bio oil as a supplement, it helps in relieving the itching sensation. It alleviates the dryness of the skin and reduces the appearance of scars after healing. Also, check out 12 Skin Care Tips For Cold Weather
- Use Home Remedies To Soothe The Wound
Burns are painful from the injury to the healing but there are ways to reduce the intensity of the pain. Things like teabags and vinegar contain properties that act as painkillers for burn wounds. Check out Reader’s Digest’s article on Home Remedies For Burns.
- Don’t Break The Blister
Your body is not out to harm you so don’t panic and break the blister. Blisters contain a fluid that protects the wound from infection. Breaking this will leave the wound vulnerable to attacks. In case the blister breaks, clean the area with water and apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Change the bandage
It’s not advisable to keep the wound wrapped in the same bandage for prolonged periods as it may develop an infection. You should let your wound “breathe” while dressing it with a clean disinfected bandage. However, you should avoid touching the wound while it’s fresh since the skin is still fragile and it might break. Tie the bandage loosely to avoid irritating the wound.
- Do Stretches
It’s common for burn patients to experience soreness and firmness on the affected area. The muscles tend to become stiff as the skin heals due to the development of scar tissue. Regular exercise prevents the permanent fixing of the arms and legs in a certain position. It’s also important to exercise as the body develops problems after long periods of staying in bed.
- Seek Medical Help
Anything above a first-degree burn requires medical attention. Burns may not seem severe at first but it only gets worse over time. Ensure you carry out first aid before going to the hospital to keep it under control. Additionally, if you notice something out of the norm you should consult with your doctor.
Children are the most likely to suffer from first and second-degree burns. So, keep them away from hot surfaces and exercise caution around these areas.
To avoid getting severe burns in the first place check out these tips here – The Fire Safety and Burns Awareness Week. Here Are A Few Tips To Use In Case Of Emergencies
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