Burns
The severity of a burn depends upon its size, depth and location. Burns are most severe when located on the face, neck, hands, feet and genitals. Also, when they are spread over large parts of the body or when they are combined with other injuries.
Burns result in pain, infection and shock. They are most serious when the victims are very young or very old.
- FIRST DEGREE burns are the least severe. Redness or discoloration, mild swelling and pain characterize them. Overexposure to the sun is a common cause of first-degree burns.
- SECOND DEGREE burns are more serious. They are deeper than first degree burns, look red or mottled and have blisters. They may also involve loss of fluids through the damaged skin. Second-degree burns are usually the most painful because nerve ending are usually intact, despite severe tissue damage.
- THIRD DEGREE burns are the deepest. They may look white or charred extend through all skin layers. Victims of third degree burns may have severe pain -- or no pain at all -- if the nerve endings are destroyed.
First Aid for Burns
- FIRST DEGREE: Flush with cool running water, Apply moist dressings and bandage loosely.
- SECOND DEGREE: Apply dry dressings and bandage loosely Do not use water as it may increase risk of shock.
- DO Carefully remove clothing or jewelry that may constrict during swelling
- DO have the victim lie down. Make certain his head and chest are a little lower than the rest of his body. Raise his legs if possible.
- DO treat for shock: To reduce the risk of shock, keep the victim's body temperature normal. Cover unburned areas with a dry blanket.
- DO NOT Remove clothing that is stuck to a burn.
- DO NOT Break blisters.
- THIRD DEGREE: Same treatment as second degree.
ALL VICTIMS OF SERIOUS BURNS
SHOULD SEEK DOCTORS HELP QUICKLY!
Ayurvedic treatments for burns:
- After washing the affected part by cold water apply pure cow’s ghee on the affected area.
- Pure cow’s ghee mixed with a small quantity honey can also be applied.
- Make a paste of fresh gel of aloe vera with a pinch of turmeric powder. Adding one 1-2 grams of ghee or coconut oil to this paste makes it more effective. This paste can be applied to the burnt area.
Honey has been used as a cure for burns since Aristotle recommended it. Honey retains heat, so the burn must first be cooled with cold running water or ice cubes, and then honey applied to the burned area. Raw honey contains antibiotics, and promotes healing of burns leaving very few scars.
Few commonly available ayurvedic medicines for burns are:
- Shatadoutha grtham.
- Jathyadi grtham.
- Madhu yastiyadi grtham.
- Swetha malhar etc.
Other burns that demand a doctor's immediate attention includes:
