The explosion in Tianjin has shocked us and has made us more concerned about the treatment of burns and scalds. For severe burns, immediate medical attention is necessary. But how can minor burns and scalds be treated for faster recovery in everyday life?
Rinse the affected area with cold water
Flush the affected area with a large amount of cold water for about 15-30 minutes or until the burning sensation subsides. Do not use ice or ice-cold water as it may worsen the burn. If it is caused by hot oil, hot soup, or battery acid, remove any wet clothing and wash away the oil from the skin before immersing the injured area in cold water. By lowering the temperature of the affected area, you have already achieved half the recovery. Rinsing with cold water can prevent the spread of the injury and act as a temporary pain reliever.
Use herbal oil or aloe vera juice for treatment
Apply herbal oil or aloe vera juice to the affected area, and it usually takes about 3 to 5 days to heal. If you have burn ointment (recommended "Mingchu Huanggong Burn Ointment"), the recovery will be even better, usually within 1 to 2 days, and it will not leave scars. Remember not to apply toothpaste, soy sauce, or other unknown liquid or ointment with medicinal properties to the wound, as it may irritate the wound, cause infection, and hinder recovery.
Try using alcohol for cooling and pain relief
There is a folk remedy using alcohol (or Baijiu) for treating burns, which is said to be quite effective. If your burn is not too severe, you can try applying alcohol to the affected area.
If blisters have burst
After a mild burn, small blisters may appear. If the blisters burst, you can clean the wound with disinfectant, apply antibacterial ointment, and ensure that the wound is breathable to facilitate healing and scab formation.
Use vitamin E capsules
When your burned area is gradually recovering, you can apply vitamin E capsules to the injured skin. It can help alleviate discomfort and prevent scarring.
Daily care
After 24 hours, gently clean the burned area with soap and water once a day, and cover it with gauze to keep it dry. Do not puncture the blisters, as it may cause infection.
Danger signs of burns
Except for children and the elderly, most people can handle first and second-degree burns on their own, but third-degree burns require medical care. If any of the following conditions occur, medical treatment should be sought. Before seeing a doctor, rinse the affected area with water, but do not self-medicate. However, you can temporarily cover it with dry sterile gauze.
1. The affected area is charred and appears milky white. Usually, there is no pain in the affected area because the nerve endings have been damaged, and this condition requires medical attention.
2. Burns on the face, hands, feet, lower abdomen, eyes, etc. When you are unsure whether the burn is severe.
3. Burns showing signs of infection, including blisters with green or brown fluid or when the burn becomes red and hot again.
4. Any burns that have not healed within 10-14 days should be immediately treated by a medical professional.
