Home remedies for burns? What really helps.
A moment of distraction is all it takes to get a painful burn from a hot iron, the hob or the oven. Here are some dos and don’ts.
The skin reddens and blisters form, quickly becoming extremely painful. Ultimately, heat destroys or damages the skin’s tissue. Quick cooling is crucial.
First aid for mild to moderate burns
No matter whether it’s sunburn, hot liquids or fire, you have to react fast with burns. But what should you do? These immediate measures help.
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Cool under running water
For minor burns, quickly place the affected area under cool running water. Make sure the water isn’t too cold. The ideal temperature is 20 degrees.
Cooling in the first 5 to 10 minutes is particularly important. Cooling too much or for too long reduces blood circulation and can damage the skin. So, don’t use ice cubes! Cool the wound until it no longer hurts, but not for longer than 20 minutes.
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Dress burns correctly
Burn blisters affect the upper two layers of the skin. Fluid forms in between, which protects and cools the injury like a cushion.
Even though you may be tempted, don’t pierce the blisters. It’s better to cover them with a compress if they are irritating.If the blisters are bursting or inflamed, they can be opened and treated under sterile conditions in the doctor’s surgery. Minor burns without blistering heal best when exposed to air. Plasters or bandages aren’t necessary.
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When should you see a doctor?
Burns or scalds that are 2nd degree or higher, i.e. with blistering, must be treated by a doctor. They will examine the affected body part and assess the degree and extent of the injury.
Do not try any home remedies
For once, home remedies from the kitchen cupboard are not recommended. Foodstuffs can contaminate the burn and promote inflammation. And they don’t provide sufficient cooling. Clear, clean water is the best solution.
Exception: with sunburn, you can apply a quark compress to soothe the skin.
Ointments should only be applied – if at all – from the second day after the incident once the skin is no longer acutely irritated.
