Cool water gets rid of any residual heat that could still damage your skin. [3] X Expert Source Navid Malakouti, MD, FAADBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 19 July 2021. Don’t use cold water to rinse your burn, as this can further irritate your skin. If the burn is in an area where it can’t be run under the sink, fill a cup with water and run it along the burn to get the same results. Allow the burned area to air dry after you’ve rinsed it. Take off any restrictive clothing or jewelry that is near the burned area, such as rings, belts, and tight fabric. Burns can swell quickly, making it hard to remove these items later. [4] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source
Apply the cream using sterile tongue depressors to make sure you’re not adding bacteria to the wound from your hands. Follow the dosage instructions for your antibiotic cream to determine how much to apply to your burn. For added comfort, use an antibiotic cream that also offers pain relief to help numb the pain caused by your burn.
This type of burn bandage can be purchased at any pharmacy or online. If you don’t have a burn bandage, you can also use petroleum jelly to keep a wound moist and wrap it in a non-stick gauze pad.
2nd degree burns often cause red or white splotchy skin, blisters, and severe pain. They will usually cause scarring if they’re deep enough. [9] X Expert Source Navid Malakouti, MD, FAADBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 19 July 2021. 3rd degree burns often leave skin charred black or white and can destroy nerves in the skin, causing numbness. 1st degree burns heal within a few days just from home remedies. Most sunburns are a good example of a 1st degree burn.
Signs of infection in a burn include oozing pus or foul-smelling discharge, expanding redness around the burn, or increased pain.
Using lotions or ointments often is one of the best ways to prevent scarring.
When using pressure garments, it’s important to wear them consistently to get the best results. Wear your pressure garment for 23 hours every day and only take it off when bathing. Pressure garments will take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to have a significant effect on your scarring. You should begin wearing a pressure garment after your burn has healed and your wound can withstand the constant pressure.
If your blisters break on their own, it’s best to get them checked by your doctor to ensure you aren’t at risk for infection.
Good options include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Antihistamines can have side effects. Some cause drowsiness, so check the label on your antihistamine before using it. Check with your doctor before you take an antihistamine.
You’ll need to apply sunscreen to your burn for 6 months to keep it adequately protected from the sun. Keeping your burn covered with clothing or a hat while outside will also work; the important thing is to not leave your burn exposed to strong sunlight.
Consult with a physical therapist to determine what stretches and exercises are best suited for your particular injury. It’s important that you do your exercises and stretches several times each day to make sure they’re having the full effect.
Honey helps guard your wound from infection and stimulate new tissue growth. Use a medicinal honey like manuka honey for the best results. Consult with your doctor before resorting to medicinal honey for scar prevention.
Scar removal cream can be purchased at any pharmacy, most mass retailers, and online. Follow the specific usage instructions for your scar removal cream and be sure to use it every day to get the best results. Ask your doctor about more-intensive scar removal like laser or radiation therapy. [19] X Expert Source Navid Malakouti, MD, FAADBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
