The term “burn” refers to more than just the burning sensation that is associated with this injury; rather, it refers to severe skin damage that results in the death of the affected skin cells. Burns are one of the most frequent household injuries, especially among children.
Depending on the cause and extent of the injury, most people can recover from burns without experiencing significant health consequences, but more severe burns necessitate immediate emergency medical care to avoid complications and death.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a severe burn can take a day or two to appear, and they vary depending on how much skin damage has occurred.
- 1st-degree burn.Only the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer, is affected by this minor burn, which could be painful and red.
- 2nd-degree burn.The epidermis and dermis of the skin are both affected by this kind of burn, which can result in swelling, blister development, red, white, or splotchy skin, as well as blistering, intense pain, and scarring.
- 3rd-degree burn.Burned areas may be black, brown, or white; the skin may appear leathery; this burn penetrates to the fat layer beneath the skin; third-degree burns can kill nerves, resulting in numbness.
Causes
Burns are caused by:
- Fire
- Hot liquid or steam
- hot glass, metal, or other materials
- Electrical currents
- X-rays and other forms of radiation
- ultraviolet rays from the sun or other sources, like tanning beds
- chemicals like gasoline, lye, paint thinner, or strong acids
- Abuse
Complications
Deep or extensive burns may have the following complications:
- Bacterial infection that could result in sepsis, a bloodstream infection
- Low blood volume, including fluid loss (hypovolemia)
- Hypothermia, a life-threateningly low body temperature
- breathing issues brought on by inhaling smoke or hot air
- Keloids are ridged or scarred areas brought on by an overgrowth of scar tissue.
- Joint and bone issues, such as contractures, which are the shortening and tightening of skin, muscles, or tendons as a result of scar tissue
Prevention
To lessen the possibility of typical home burns:
- Never let anything cook while you are not watching it.
- Aiming for the back of the stove, turn pot handles there.
- When preparing food at the stove, never carry or hold a child.
- Keep children and animals away from hot liquids.
- Away from water, keep electrical appliances.
- Don’t microwave a baby’s bottle; instead, check the food’s temperature before giving it to the child.
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing while cooking increases your risk of setting the room on fire.
- Place a barrier between a small child and heat sources like stoves, fireplaces, outdoor grills, and space heaters if one is present.
- Look for hot straps or buckles before strapping a child into a car seat.
- When not in use, unplug appliances like irons and keep them out of small children’s reach.
- Avoid letting children chew on electrical cords and wires by covering unused electrical outlets with safety caps.
- Avoid smoking in bed if you do.
- Check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year and make sure they are functional on every floor of your home.
- Each floor of your home should have a fire extinguisher.
- Wear safety clothing and eyewear whenever working with chemicals.
- Use safety latches, keep lighters and matches away from children, and avoid using lighters that resemble toys.
- If you want to protect your children from scalding, lower the thermostat on your water heater to less than 120 F (48.9 C).
Additionally, be aware of the possibility of getting burned outside the house, particularly if you are near chemicals, open flames, or highly heated materials.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Apis mellifica
With the help of cold compresses, this remedy soothes pink, swollen skin that is itchy and burning.
Urtica urens
This remedy frequently provides relief for sunburn when the pain is prickly and stinging and the primary symptoms are redness and stinging pain.
Second degree burns
CausticumThe symptoms of a Causticum state include burning, rawness, and soreness. There may also be restlessness, irritability, and tearfulness. This remedy is excellent for burns of a second degree. It will relieve the pain and speed the healing of the skin considerably.
Third degree burns
CantharisCantharis is an excellent remedy for urine infections, which may or may not accompany the symptoms but would most certainly be a clear indicator that this remedy was needed. It is very good for severe pain and shock. The symptoms that it matches for burns are when they are very inflamed and have the sensation of rawness and smarting, which is better for cold being applied.
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