The burn is a fairly common skin lesion characterized by varying degrees of intensity. It can be caused by electricity, heat, light, sun, radiation, and friction. Aloe vera has been used since ancient times to treat various skin ailments and reduce inflammation. It is used and recommended by doctors to treat minor and first-degree burns, but can also be used for some second-degree burns. If you get burned, follow these steps to assess the severity of the burn and treat it with aloe vera.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Wound
Step 1. Move away from the source of the burn
In case of sunburn, you need to take shelter immediately. If it was caused by an electrical device, turn it off and move away from it. If it's chemical, protect yourself from the responsible substance as soon as possible. If it's a sunburn, go to the shade immediately.
If chemicals have coated your clothing or clothing burned in the process, remove them as carefully as possible without making the injury worse. If they have stuck to the burn area, do not pull them from the skin - call an ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately
Step 2. Determine the severity of the sunburn
There are three types of burns. Before dealing with them, you must learn to distinguish them. A first-degree burn affects only the surface layer of the skin, which is usually red, sore and dry to the touch. A second degree burn extends to deeper layers of the skin and may have a "wet" or faded appearance; it often includes white blisters and is generally painful. Third-degree burns extend all over the dermis and sometimes affect surrounding tissue. They have a dry or leather-like appearance; burned skin may also turn black, white, brown or yellow. They cause swelling and are quite severe, although often less painful than minor burns, as nerve endings are damaged.
- Only use the advice in this article if you know the burn is first or second degree, but still superficial. Other sunburns should not be treated with this method unless your doctor gives you the green light.
- Never treat a third degree burn or open wound with aloe. It doesn't dry out, so it's impossible to cure it.
Step 3. Cool the wound
Once you have assessed the state of the burn and taken cover, you can start cooling it. This helps to lessen the heat and soothes the skin before applying the aloe. After scalding, run cold water over the burn as soon as possible for 10-15 minutes.
- If running water from the tap or shower head cannot reach the affected area, soak a washcloth in cold water and place it on the burn for 20 minutes. Replace it as soon as it gets hot.
- If you can, bathe the affected area with fresh water for at least 5 minutes. You can submerge it in a sink or bowl filled with water.
Step 4. Clean the wound
Once you've cooled it down, you'll need to clean it. Take some soap and rub it in your hands. Gently massage it on the burned area to wash it. Rinse it with fresh water to remove the foam. Pat it dry with a towel.
Don't rub the wound, as this could irritate the skin even more, crack it (if it's sensitive), or cause blisters
Part 2 of 3: Treating the Burn with Aloe Vera
Step 1. Cut a leaf of an aloe vera plant
If you have one in your home or near the place where you got burned, you can use it to extract some cooling gel. Remove fleshy leaves from the bottom of the plant. Remove the thorns to avoid pricking yourself. Cut the leaves in half lengthwise and use a knife to squeeze out the gel. Collect it on a plate.
Repeat until you have enough aloe to cover the entire burned area
Suggestion:
aloe vera plants are pretty easy to maintain. They grow in almost all indoor environments and outdoor places with a mild climate. Water them every other day and make sure you don't use too much water. Sprouts can be transplanted with ease.
Step 2. Use purchased aloe vera
If you don't have a plant, you can use an aloe vera gel or cream. It is available in the most well-stocked supermarkets and organic food stores. Before buying aloe, make sure it is 100% pure, or close to it. Some products have a purer concentration than others, so you should choose the one with the highest percentage of aloe.
Read the ingredient list of the product you want to buy. Some brands promise a pure gel, but in reality they only have an aloe concentration of 10%
Step 3. Apply a generous amount to the burn
Take the aloe extracted from the plant or pour a generous dose of the gel on your hands. Gently massage it into the burned area, making sure you don't rub it. Repeat 2-3 times a day until the pain is gone.
After applying aloe vera, you should only cover the burn if it is in a place that can be accidentally rubbed or injured if it is not protected with a liner. In this case, use a clean bandage or gauze that will leave no residue once removed
Step 4. Prepare an aloe vera bath
Do you want a gel alternative? You can take a bath. If you have a plant, put a few leaves in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Remove them from the liquid, which will likely be brown, and pour it into the tub. If you have gel, pour in a generous amount as the tub fills. Soak in lukewarm water enriched with aloe for 20 minutes to soothe the burn.
You can also buy an aloe body wash, but it is not recommended to use these products on burned skin. They often contain chemicals that may dry out the skin, not moisturize it
Part 3 of 3: Medical Assistance
Step 1. See your doctor if it is a large, severe, or sensitive area burn
This type of burn should only be treated by a medical assistant. Trying to treat them on your own could lead to an infection or leave scars. In general, see your doctor if:
- The burn is on the face, hands, feet, genitals or joints
- The burn is more than 5 cm in size.
- This is a 3rd degree burn.
Suggestion:
if you are unsure whether it is a first or second degree burn, see a doctor. If you suspect it is worse than a first degree burn, see your doctor. Second and third degree burns, if not treated properly, can be fatal.
Step 2. Get medical attention if the burn shows signs of infection or scarring
Burns can become infected, even if treated. Fortunately, the doctor can prescribe a cure to kill the infection, such as antibiotics or a medical ointment. Signs of infection include:
- Pus leaking from the wound
- Redness around the wound
- Swelling
- Increased pain
- Scarring
- Fever
Step 3. Get medical attention if the wound does not improve after one week
It may take a few weeks for the wound to heal completely, but you should see some improvement in the first one since you started the treatment. If the burn does not improve, you may need medical attention. The doctor will be able to evaluate the wound and prescribe further treatment.
Monitor the burn by taking pictures or measuring it daily
Step 4. Get a prescription for pain relievers and burn ointments if needed
Your doctor may prescribe a specific ointment to speed up the healing process. Such an ointment or ointment prevents infection and prevents the bandage from sticking to the wound if it is necessary to bandage it. They may also be able to prescribe pain relievers to help you cope with the pain during the healing process.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, first
Advice
- Sunburns are sensitive to sunlight even after they heal. In the 6 months following the sunburn, use higher protection to avoid skin blemishes and further damage.
- Take ibuprofen or another NSAID to relieve tissue swelling and relieve pain.
- If you are concerned that the burn is severe, go to the emergency room immediately. It must be treated by a doctor, it is not treatable at home.
- Second-degree burns characterized by blood-filled blisters can turn into third-degree burns and should be treated by a doctor.
- If you have burns on your face (especially if they are extensive), go to the emergency room.
- Never apply ice to a burn. An excessively low temperature can further damage it.
- Don't apply any other substances you have around your house, such as butter, flour, oil, onions, toothpaste, or moisturizers, to a burn. They can aggravate it further.
