ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES SERIES :39 BURNS

Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.

BURNS


SYMPTOMS

If the burn is:

o Red, tender, and possibly swollen and blistering, it is probably a first degree burn (which can include sunburn).

o Red, painful, and blistering, it is probably a second degree burn (which can include severe sunburn).

o Severally painful, the burn skin look white or charred and blood vessels are exposed, or nerve damage is so substantial that three is no pain, it is probably a third degree burn.

o Characteristics of a third degree burn, and muscles or bone is exposed, it is a fourth degree burn.


WHAT IS BURNS

The skin is sensitive, living tissues composed of three primary layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Any exposure to heat above 1200 F will damage its cells and cause some degree of burning. Every year in the united states two million people are burned: 300,000 seriously, 70,000 requiring admission to a hospital, and 6,000 fatally. Children and the elderly are more susceptible to more serious forms of burning because their skin is thinner. Minor burns include first degree burns, limited second degree burns, and sunburns. First degree burns affect the top layer of skin, the epidermis. Such burns are generally not serious and heal quickly. Within two days the damage skin from first degree burn will peel away. Second degree burns affect the epidermis and some of the underlying dermis layer of the skin. unless a second degree burns covers a large area or has develop a secondary infection, it is not serious and will heal in a short time. Majors burns include widespread second degree and all third and fourth degree burns. Third and fourth degree burns are always serious and involve all three layers of skin. the area may appear white, or blackened and charred. Such severe burns affect fat tissue and nerves. Fourth degree burns penetrate to muscles and bone. Electrical burns can be deceiving. Although burning of the skin may be minimal, interior damage can be extensive and may include damage to the heart. High voltage electric shocks can cause cardiac arrest.

TREATMENT

For any type of burn, immediate, aggressive treatment, whether conventional or alternative, is essential to speed healing and recovery.

CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE

After at home first aid treatment has been applied to minor burns, any persisting pain may be alleviated with aspirin or acetaminophen. If your burn requires medical treatment, your doctor will cover the area with an anti –bacterial dressing or leave it exposed to promote healing. Avoid breaking blisters; exposure of the tissue underneath increases your likelihood of infection. Analgesics may be prescribed, or antibiotics if there are signs of infections. Any shock resulting from major burns will be treated with the administration of intravenous fluids. Severe major burns may require skin grafting or plastic surgery for repair and to avoid extensive scaring.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

All major burn should be treated by a medical professional. In addition to the therapies mentioned below, Chinese herbs, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and Ayurvedic medicine may also be helpful in treating minor burns.

HERBAL THERAPIES

The juice from an aloe plant may reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent infection in minor burns. Herbalists believe that honey is an effective healing agent. Spread a thin layer on your minor burn, cover with loose dressing, and repeat daily until healed.

MIND/BODY MEDICINE

In some cases of major burns, concentrated healing thoughts and positive attitude toward recovery have minimize symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and scarring. The most dramatic results have occurred when this technique has been applied within few hours of injury.

AT HOME REMEDIES

Flush minor burns with running water, then apply a cool compress. When your burn begins to heal, pierce a vitamin E capsule and rub the liquid onto the affected area to help prevent scarring. If your burns is major, drink lots of fluids during recovery; such burns cause loss of body fluids.

PREVENTION

Burns are frequently caused by preventable accidents in the home. Each floor should have working smoker detector, and a fire extinguisher should be kept in the kitchen. All detectors and extinguisher should be tested at least annually. When cooking, turn pot handles to the inside of the stove, and if you have small children in the home, place covers over all unused electrical outlets.

DON’T BUTTER THAT BURN

Don’t try to soothe any kind of burn by putting butter or margarine on it. Such greasy substance can actually hold heat in the wound and slow down healing; they can also lead to infection.