How many times did your mother tell you to stay away from the iron, the candle, matches, lighters, or that bubbling pot of water on the stove? If you didn’t listen and just had to satisfy your curiosity – a burn was most likely the outcome. Every year in the United States, more than 2.2 million people suffer from some sort of burn. Out of all these cases, nearly 1 million people seek emergency treatment and between 3 % and 5 % suffer life-threatening injuries.

Leading Causes of Burns

People often forget that the skin is the largest organ of the body. Therefore, when a burn occurs – a great deal of bodily functions are placed at risk [1]. Unfortunately, there are a lot of dangerous situations that can compromise your skin – many of which reside in the comforts of your own home.

According to eMedicine’s Burn Center, around 75 % of all burns are preventable. Knowing the leading causes of burns in the home can reduce your risk of getting hurt. Most burns on the homefront are caused by clothing irons, fireplaces, curling irons, ovens, radiators, coffee cups, steam from microwaved foods, barbeque grills, hot tap water (like from a showerhead), and boiling pots on the stove.

Symptoms

Symptoms of burns vary depending on their severity.

First-degree burns are red, sore, and sometimes, swollen. Scalding hot water, too much sun exposure, and minor accidents commonly cause this type of burn.

A second-degree burn blisters, oozes, and is quite painful. This type of burn includes severe sunburn and surface burns after brief contact with a hot object.

A third degree burn is most alarming. Sometimes, they don’t even hurt because nerve endings have been destroyed. Skin is charred and often turns brown, black and in the worst cases – white or cream-colored. Fires, chemicals, and prolonged contact with hot surfaces cause this kind of burn.

While first-degree and second-degree burns can be treated at home, a third-degree mishap requires immediate medical attention.

Burn Home Remedies

Have you ever heard the old wives tale of putting butter on a burn? While milk does possess soothing qualities, butter and margarine actually retain heat in tissues and can make matters worse. Additionally, the greasiness of butter can encourage infections. Instead, consider the following home remedies for burns when things get too hot:

a) Elevation:

Help take the stinging sensation out of a burn by raising affected body parts above the level of your heart. This is also a good way to prevent swelling.

b) Aloe:

The aloe plant is known to speed up healing up to 40%, as well as cool down the pain of a burn. After two or three days have passed after your incident, open an aloe leaf and directly apply its liquid to the burn. Reapply up to four to six times daily.

c) Vitamin C:

Increase your intake of foods with vitamin C, as its known to move along the healing process for burns and other wounds. A few recommendations include citrus fruits, potatoes and broccoli.

d) Vitamins A and E:

Your body sure could use some extra antioxidants after a burn has taken place. Supply your system with green fruits and vegetables, cereal, and nuts high in vitamin E. You can also use topical applications of vitamin E to prevent scarring and promote faster healing.

e) Zinc:

Crabmeat, wheat germ, oysters, and low-fat dairy products provide a decent supply of zinc, which can encourage faster healing and the rebuilding of healthy skin.

f) Honey:

Known to pack quite a healing punch, apply honey (which possesses antiseptic properties) to your burn and cover with a bandage. People who use honey to treat a burn usually report less pain and less scarring.

g) Milk:

Soak a washcloth in milk to create a soothing compress for minor burns. Whole milk tends to produce the best results as it contains a high fat content to calm skin and promote healing. After removing the washcloth, make sure to rinse well with cool water.

h) Soap and Water:

If you’re burn is kept clean, it has a better chance of quickly healing. Wait 24 hours after your incident before gently washing your burn with soap and water. Afterwards, keep the burn dry, clean, and covered with a bandage between washings. A thick gauze pad is suggested.

i) Preparation H:

Usually, it takes a burn between seven to 15 days to heal. Preparation H can actually cut that time by up to three days because it contains an ingredient that promotes faster healing. Dap a small amount on a burn and cover with a clean bandage every day.

j) Cold Water:

You’d think that because a burn was produced by something extremely hot that the reverse is a good way to bring relief. However, if you use water that is too cold to soothe a burn, you risk the death of many skin cells. Use cool water (and no ice) to ease the pain of a burn.

[1] http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/03/29/the-top-10-causes-of-serious-burns-to-people-and-pets-in-the-home.htm