Aloe vera, vinegar, mustard…do any of these things sound familiar as a remedy for burns? As it turns out, none of these things are the best treatment for any level of burn. Burn related visits to the ER are common, especially so around the fourth of July. How do you know if you need to see a doctor, and what do you do if you or someone you know gets burned?
There are five classes of burns, but the only two you should treat at home are superficial and partial thickness burns.
Superficial burns, such as sunburns, have not broken the skin, feel dry, and can be painful.
Partial thickness burns are red and/or blistered, painful, and can be swollen.
Any burns covering over ten percent of the body or that are white or swiss-cheesy looking need to go directly to a larger ER for treatment.
Any skin that is broken may need to be seen by a doctor as the burn site may require surgical cleaning. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and call your doctor.
So what are the dos and don'ts of caring for a burn?
DO
Run cool or room temperature water over the burn for no more than five minutes, or wet gauze or a clean towel to hold over the burn for up to 30 minutes
Gently wash with mild soap and tap water
Take an over the counter pain reliever on a schedule to prevent discomfort, or as needed
DON’T
Put ice on a burn
Put cream or salve on the burn unless directed otherwise by a doctor
Wash with harsh cleaner such as alcohol or peroxide
Apply spray or gel lidocaine products
With proper care the majority of burns will heal on their own in 3-21 days. As with any wound, watch for signs of infection. Have a safe and happy holiday!