Remedies for Burns

are skin lesions that can be caused by:

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• Excessive heat.
• Chemical substances.
• Electric currents.
• Too intense radiating agents.

Burns are divided into:

• First degree: they affect only the epidermis.
• Second degree: they also affect the dermis and are classified into simple and deep.
• Third degree: it also reaches the deep layers.

ATTENTION! The remedies we will discuss mainly concern first degree and second degree simple burns. Nevertheless, some precautions can be very useful in the first intervention of the most demanding cases.

The published material is intended to allow quick access to advice, suggestions and general remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of burns; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient. . This implies respecting common sense and certain safety rules in the workplace.

If the burns are obviously serious, it is essential to call the emergency department immediately.

The remedies for burns are different in the acute phase and in the one following medication:

• In milder forms it may be useful to promptly remove the residues of certain materials on the skin; some examples are: clothes, burnt plastic or rubber, hot oil, etc.
• On the contrary, if the material is welded to the leather, it becomes necessary to leave the layer of material intact to prevent the leather itself from being removed as well.
• Always remove jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc.
• Immediately immerse the burned area in "cold water for at least 10-15".
• Cover the affected area with a wet sterile gauze. Those specific for burns are soaked in products that promote skin regeneration (for example: hyaluronic acid).
• In case of widespread burns to the hands and / or feet, apply the sterile gauze so that the fingers do not touch each other.
• In case of burns to the eyes, place sterile gauze moistened with physiological water without applying pressure.

Once the extent of the burn has been clarified and medicated, it is necessary:

• Ensure hydration, considering the greater tendency to disperse liquids.
• Maintain nutritional status, taking into account the increased metabolic consumption.
• Ensure a good level of hygiene, due to the tendency to infections.

, ice sprays, ointments or ointments.

Dirt (with rags, absorbent paper, used gauze, etc.), talk or cough on the burned part.

Bursting filittene (blisters), whether they are infected or not.

Once the "acute" phase has passed, it is necessary to avoid:

• Exposure of the wound to environmental dirt.
• Solid fasts.
• Liquid fasts.
• Low calorie diet, insufficient or incomplete nutrition.

more than a milliliter of water per calorie taken with food: in the average person, this system guarantees about 2L / day. In the event of burns, the water requirement can increase significantly. At least in the early days, it is advisable to increase the amount of " water as much as possible.

Follow a complete diet, without excluding any type of food: during the recovery of burns, the metabolism increases dramatically (in proportion to the extent of tissue damage). This affects all nutrients, both macro-energetic (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids). , both macro and micro (saline and vitaminic). To avoid a catabolism of muscle tissue, remember to:

• Ensure the intake of carbohydrates in order to prevent the metabolism from breaking down the proteins of the tissues for energy purposes. The most suitable foods are:
• Cereals.
• Potatoes.
• Leguminous plants.
• Sweet fruit.
• Allow the intake of high biological value proteins: sources of all essential amino acids in the right quantities, they are necessary for the reconstruction of damaged tissues. The most suitable foods are:
• Meat and fishery products: all.
• Whole eggs.
• Milk and derivatives: all those lean or medium fat.
• For vegans, the association of cereals and legumes: all.
• Ensure the supply of essential fatty acids as they play a fundamental role in regulating inflammation. In particular, omega 3s have an anti-inflammatory effect. On the other hand, foods rich in fat are also sources of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K).
• Fatty fish: mackerel, alletterato, bonito, sardines etc.
• Germ of cereals, fatty legumes, oil seeds, fatty fruits: wheat germ, corn, soy, almonds, pine nuts, avocado etc.
• Related extraction oils.
• Provide a good concentration of other molecules with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. In particular, foods rich in vitamin C and polyphenols are recommended:
• Sour fruit: citrus, kiwi, etc.
• Vegetables: peppers, lettuce, parsley, tomatoes etc.

or purely carnivorous. simple, also transformed into a gel or ointment.

• Calendula.
• Aloe gel.
• Bromelain.
• Hypericum oil.
• Echinacea.
• Centella.
• Arnica.

they must only be prescribed by the doctor.
Some widely used products are:

• Hyaluronic Acid: for example Connettivina. Indicated only in sunburn and first degree burns. Stimulates skin regeneration.
• Equine catalase: for example Citrizan. Indicated only in sunburn and first degree burns. It is a powerful antioxidant and stimulates local oxygenation.
• Sulfadiazine: for example Sofargen. Indicated in second and third degree burns. It is a topical antibiotic with preventive and curative value.

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Observe the hazard symbols on chemicals.

Be careful in handling flames, hot or electrical equipment.

Protect your skin with sunscreen: Some sunburns have a second degree severity.

), early or after demarcation, followed by reconstruction by grafting skin flaps taken from other areas.