Sunburn: what to do and what NOT to do in case of burns

Often in carrying out our daily activities at home we can get burns from hot stoves and irons. Let's see what to do in these cases, what is best to do and what not to help the skin heal.

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

What to do in case of burns? Usually hot pans, stoves and irons are responsible for burns that we can get at home, while doing the usual daily activities such as cooking or ironing. These are minor domestic accidents, which cause pain and sensitivity to touch but usually heal within a few days. (Read also: Burns: natural remedies for minor burns or home burns)

Burns can be classified into 3 degrees, depending on their extent:

First degree burn, slight, superficial burns

Second degree burn, deeper than those of the first degree, usually then generate blisters and water bubbles in the part

Third burn: these are serious burns and it is advisable to run to the emergency room and not to do-it-yourself

If the burn is mild enough that you don't need medical help, you can use simple remedies to help heal the burn. Burnt skin needs to be cooled and protected from infections, which is why today we recommend what to do, but above all what not to do, to combat these annoying burns.

@ministerodellasalute

Index

What to do in case of burns

As recommended by the Ministry of Health  and by ' Istituto Superiore di Sanita

• Remove bracelets, rings, necklaces, watches from the side of the burnt skin.
• Cool the seared portion with running water or ice for a few minutes, for at least 10 minutes. For areas of the body that cannot be immersed in water, such as the face, cold compresses can be made by applying a clean cloth soaked in cold water to the face.
• Cover the burned area with a dry, sterilized dressing, applying gauze.
• If the pain is too severe, you can take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with pain relieving activity (for example: ibuprofen or diclofenac), or paracetamol to be taken by mouth.

Natural remedies for mild sunburn

In case of mild sunburn, also called first degree, you can resort to some simple home remedies, for example:

Raw potato

Potatoes soothe pain and fight irritation. Try gently applying a slice of raw potato, or a piece of potato peel. Try this remedy as soon as possible to relieve the discomfort right away.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera has various pain relieving and calming properties. Promotes skin healing in case of minor burns. For an optimal effect, rinse the affected area with cold water and apply a little aloe gel directly on the burn with little pressure.

Tender

Tannins, substances present in black tea can decrease the burning sensation and facilitate the healing of the affected area. Place a black tea bag in a glass of cold water, let it rest for 5 minutes, squeeze it and place it directly on the burn. You can also place the tea bag on the affected area and wrap it with sterilized gauze.

Onion

Onion juice contains very useful substances to soothe sunburn such as quercetin which help relieve pain and promote healing of small burns. Cut a raw onion in half and collect the juice, then apply it on the affected part several times a day.

Honey

Honey helps disinfect and heal minor burns. Helps the elimination of fluids from the tissues, facilitating healing. Apply a light layer of honey to gauze to wrap around the burn.

Banana peels

If you've just eaten a banana, don't throw away its peel. The waste parts of the banana can be useful in facilitating healing and the discomfort caused by burns. Then apply a piece of banana peel, from the inside, on the area to be treated.

Vinegar

Vinegar has strong astringent and antiseptic properties, which help prevent infections caused by minor sunburn. Dilute vinegar and water in equal parts and use the liquid obtained to rinse small burns for a prodigious disinfectant effect.

Burns, what NOT to do absolutely

As recommended by the Ministry of Health  and by ' Istituto Superiore di Sanita

• Do not apply butter, ointments, oil, soap or other preparations.
• Do not puncture any blisters or water bubbles that may arise in the case of second-degree burns
• Do not apply ice
• It is not necessary to use disinfectants

The advice to spread soft butter on sunburned skin is widespread, but incorrect. This remedy is certainly linked to the feeling of relief caused by the use of a fresh substance such as butter and its easy availability, especially since the place where burns most often occur is clearly the kitchen. In reality, this common remedy has no medical basis and, in addition to being ineffective, it is also harmful as it promotes infections.

Butter and oil they do not carry out these actions, on the contrary they can slow down the healing processes, in fact the fats that contain these foods trap the heat and make it continue to damage the skin. In addition, they can facilitate the passage of microorganisms that cause infections.

In conclusion, for all other types of burns, more painful and of a more serious entity, it is necessary to contact your doctor, call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency room.

Follow us on Telegram | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Youtube

Sources: Istituto Superiore di Sanita/ Ministry of Health

If you are interested in the topic, read also:

• 10 natural remedies for sunburn
• Hogweed of Mantegazza: the toxic plant that causes burns only by touching it