BURNS

BURNS ARE A FACT OF LIFE and will likely continue to be one until the sun explodes or until the human species learns to cook without heat. Burns can be as common as a kitchen scald or as rare as being struck by lightning; what they have in common is that proper first aid is important in all types of burns.

Skin damage in burns is measured by degrees. A first-degree burn involves only the surface skin, producing mild redness and pain. In second-degree burns, injury extends to deeper skin layers to produce darker redness along with swelling, pain and blisters. A third-degree burn destroys all layers of skin, wiping out nervous sensation and, therefore, pain, although the surrounding tissue hurts. The burned skin appears white or charred.

If you receive a first-degree burn or a small second-degree burn (covering an area no larger than the palm of your hand), immediately immerse the injured area in cold water or apply a cold compress. Don't apply ice directly to the burned skin, but you can put ice cubes in the water. Continue for 10 minutes or until the pain stops.

If you receive a chemical burn, remove any chemical-splashed clothing and rinse the skin with cool water for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not apply ointments, oils or butter. Keep the burn clean by gently washing it twice a day with water and mild soap. Call your doctor if signs of infection develop - redness, swelling, yellow drainage or a foul smell.

Finally, if you have second-degree burns over an area larger than the palm of your hand, or on your face, hands, feet or genitals - or any third-degree burn - have someone take you to the doctor immediately. If you can't drive, call 999 or your local hospital. While awaiting help, cut away overlying clothing, unless it has adhered to the burn. Loosely cover the wound with sterile (non-adhesive) dressings or clean cloths such as linen or muslin. Do not apply anything else, not even water. To prevent swelling, elevate burned extremities. These burns are a medical matter; do not treat them yourself with the remedies in this book unless your doctor directs you to do so.

DRUG TREATMENT

Analgesics
Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, paracetamol.
Function: relieve pain.
Aspirin side effects: heartburn, indigestion, stomach irritation, mild nausea or vomiting.
Ibuprofen and naproxen side effects: dizziness, nausea, stomach ache, headache.
Paracetamol side effects: long-term use and higher dosages can produce liver damage that results in jaundice, malaise, nausea and vomiting; may damage the kidneys.

Topical Anaesthetics
Lignocaine (Dettol Antiseptic Pain Relief Spray, Vagisil cream Solarcaine gel), benzocaine (Solarcaine, BurnEze, Anthisan Plus), benzocaine and chlorothymol (Lanacane cream).
Side effects: infrequent allergic reactions, with hives, skin rash, tenderness, swelling of tissues of mouth and throat; may increase sun sensitivity.

GRANDMA'S SUNBURN CURE

Oatmeal (Avena sativa) is soothing to irritated skin. You can use it in one of four ways.

1. Cook 3 tablespoons of dry oatmeal in 120 millilitres of water, let cool, wrap in a gauzy cloth and apply to the burn.

2. Wrap 85 grams of dry oatmeal in cheesecloth and let steep in 680 millilitres of water for 15 minutes. Apply the cool liquid to the burn.

3. Wrap 170 grams of dry oatmeal in a cloth or pour into a clean sports sock. Tie a knot at the top. Put it in a bathtub of tepid water to soak for 10 minutes, then get in the bath yourself.

4. Purchase a commercial oatmeal product that dissolves in water and add to your bath.

 

HERBAL REMEDIES

Aloe (Aloe vera)
The gel from inside this plant's leaves reduces inflammation, soothes burn pain, fights bacteria and speeds healing. That's why many cooks keep an aloe plant in the kitchen window where it's handy for minor burns and scalds. You can also use a commercial preparation of pure aloe vera gel as often as needed.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, cooling and wound-healing, calendula turns up in many over-the-counter burn products. You can also make a tea from the dried flower petals - calendula is the common garden marigold (steep 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 1/4 itre of hot water for 10 minutes; strain and let cool) - and apply with a clean cloth as often as needed.

Comfrey (Symphytum offcinale)
Both the leaves and root of this plant contain allantoin, which speeds healing of burned skin. Once again, look for commercial products or make a tea or poultice. To make a tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes; strain and let cool. To make a poultice, mash about 30 grams of fresh leaves, or soak 15 grams of dried ones in enough water to cover them. Wrap the mash in a thin cloth and apply to the burn as needed.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
The essential oil of this flower relieves pain and enhances the healing of burns. Unlike most other essential oils, it's fine to apply undiluted directly to the skin. If you fear that you may be allergic (or just don't like lavender's scent), dilute it with an equal quantity of vegetable oil such as olive, almond or sesame oil. Apply as often as needed.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
A compound in gotu kola stimulates collagen synthesis to help repair skin. It helps heal wounds of all kinds and reduces scarring from burns. The easiest way to use it may be to open capsules of powdered gotu kola until you have about a teaspoon. Mix the powder with an equal quantity of aloe gel. Apply as often as needed.

Plantains (Plantago major, P. lanceolata)
These common weeds contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory substances and the tissue-knitting substance allantoin. Crush a fresh plantain leaf and apply the juice directly to a minor burn as often as needed.

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
A tea made from these yellow flowers is anti-inflammatory, and pain-reducing, and speeds healing of wounds and minor burns. Steep 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes. Cool, strain and use the tea to wet a clean cloth. Apply to minor burns as needed. Caution: may increase skin reactions to sun exposure.

Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Both green and black teas are rich in antioxidants and cooling to sunburns. The sun's ultraviolet rays produce free radicals in the skin. Tea's antioxidants can mop up these free radicals to help prevent damage to tissues. Just apply a wet, cool, tea bag to a burn.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
The extract of the bark of this tree - the same witch hazel you see cheaply available in stores - is astringent, decreases inflammation and soothes sunburns.