Remedies for Burns

Burns are skin lesions that can be caused by:

Excessive heat.
Chemical substances.
Electric currents.
Radiant agents too intense.

The burns are divided into:

First degree: they concern only the epidermis.
Second grade: they also affect the dermis and are classified as simple and deep.
Third degree: it also reaches the deep layers.

WARNING! The remedies we will talk about mainly concern first-degree and second-degree simple burns. Nevertheless, some precautions can be very useful in the first intervention of the most demanding cases.

What to do

The first precaution is certainly the prevention of burns. This implies respect for common sense and some safety regulations in the workplace.
If the burns are obviously severe, it is essential to call the emergency immediately.

The remedies for burns are different in the acute phase and in the post-medication phase:

In milder forms it may be useful to promptly remove residues of certain materials on the skin; some examples are: clothes, burnt plastic or rubber, hot oil etc.
On the contrary, if the material is welded to the skin, it becomes necessary to leave the layer of material intact to prevent the skin itself being removed by removing it.
Always remove jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc.
Immerse the burned area immediately in cold water for at least 10-15 minutes.
Cover the affected area with a sterile wet gauze. Those specific to burns are soaked in products that promote skin regeneration (for example: hyaluronic acid).
In case of widespread burn to hands and / or feet, apply sterile gauze so that the fingers do not touch.
In the event of burns to the eyes, place sterile gauzes moistened with physiological water without applying pressure.

Once the extent of the burn has been clarified and medicated, it is necessary:

Ensure hydration, considering the greater tendency to disperse liquids.
Maintain nutritional status, taking into account the increased metabolic consumption.
Ensure a good hygienic level, due to the tendency to infections.

What NOT to do

During the first approach to a burn it is necessary to avoid the following behaviors:

Use home remedies (potato slices, oil, etc.).
When the extent of the burn is not clear:

Forced to undress the interested part.
Immediately use disinfectants, ice spray, ointments or ointments.

Dirty (with rags, absorbent paper, used gauze etc.), speak or cough on the burned part.
Burst the phytodes (bladders), which are infected or not.

Once the "acute" phase has passed, it is necessary to avoid:

Exposure of the wound to environmental dirt.
Solid fast.
Liquid fasts.
Low calorie diet, insufficient or incomplete diet.

What to eat

During recovery from burns, especially large and / or more important ones (which form at least blisters - second degree deep), it is necessary:

Drink more than one milliliter of water per calorie taken with food: in the average person, this system guarantees about 2L / day. In the event of burns the water requirement can increase significantly. At least in the early days, it is advisable to increase the amount of water as much as possible.
Follow a complete diet, without excluding any type of food: during the recovery of burns, the metabolism increases dramatically (in a manner proportional to the extent of tissue damage). This affects all nutrients, both macro-energetic (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids), and macro and micro (saline and vitaminic). To avoid a catabolism of muscle tissue, remember:

Guarantee the supply of carbohydrates in order to prevent the metabolism from destroying tissue proteins for energy purposes. The most suitable foods are:

Cereals.
Potatoes.
Legumes.
Sweet fruit.

Allow the supply of high biological value proteins: sources of all essential amino acids in the right quantities, are necessary for the reconstruction of injured tissues. The most indicated foods are:

Meats and fish products: all.
Whole eggs.
Milk and derivatives: all those that are lean or medium fat.
For vegans, the association of cereals and legumes: all.

Ensure the supply of essential fatty acids since they play a fundamental role in the regulation of inflammation. In particular, omega 3s have an anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, foods rich in fat are also sources of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K).

Fatty fish: mackerel, alletterato, bonito, sardines etc.
Germ of cereals, fat legumes, oil seeds, fat fruits: wheat germ, corn, soy, almonds, pine nuts, avocado etc.
Related extraction oils.

Provide a good concentration of other molecules with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. In particular, foods rich in vitamin C and polyphenols are recommended:

Acidic fruit: citrus fruits, kiwi etc.
Vegetables: peppers, lettuce, parsley, tomatoes etc.

What NOT to Eat

There is no list of foods advised against.

However, it is advisable to avoid:

Diets rich in dried foods.
Diets rich in preserved foods.
Monothematic diets.
Vegan or purely carnivorous diets.

Natural Cures and Remedies

We specify immediately that natural burn remedies can only be used after a thorough medical evaluation. The diagnosis must be simple first or second degree.

These plants can be used in the form of a simple decoction, even transformed into gel or pomade.

Calendula.
Aloe gel.
Bromelain.
Hypericum oil.
Echinacea.
Centella.
Arnica.

Pharmacological care

The pharmacological treatment for burns must be prescribed exclusively by the doctor.

Some widely used products are:

Hyaluronic Acid: for example Connettivina. Indicated only in sunburn and first-degree burns. Stimulates skin regeneration.
Equine catalase: for example Citrizan. Indicated only in sunburn and first-degree burns. It is a powerful antioxidant and stimulates local oxygenation.
Sulfadiazine: for example Sofargen. Indicated in second and third degree burns. It is a topical antibiotic with preventive and curative value.

Prevention

Burns are difficult to predict and there are no prevention systems other than common sense and compliance with safety regulations.

Furthermore, it is recommended to:

Do not light fires with flammable liquids such as gasoline or alcohol.
Respect the danger symbols on chemicals.
Pay attention to the management of flames, hot or electric equipment.
Protect the skin with sunscreen: some sunburns have a second degree severity.

Medical treatments

The only medical remedy other than drugs is surgery.

Let me be clear, this is not an alternative but a necessity.

In fact, certain forms of burns necessarily require the removal of dead tissue (eschar), early or after demarcation, followed by reconstruction grafting skin flaps taken from other areas.