When the skin comes in contact with something that is very hot, like a working stove or even a fire, it can get burned.
As most know, even too much exposure to the sun outside can cause the skin to get very red and irritated.
There are the three different levels of burns, and which category a burn falls into depends on the severity of exposure.
A first degree burn, which is called a superficial burn, affects the surface of the skin, turning it red and causing swelling and pain on the surface. This type of burn is easily treatable at home and it heals fairly quickly, as soon as in a matter of seven to 10 days in most cases.
A second degree or partial burn and a third degree or full thickness burn are both more serious, and they could need the medical assistance and expertise of a doctor in order to be treated properly.
However, in case of minor first degree burns, there are effective home remedies that exist that will help a person feel more comfortable while the skin heals.
First, cool the part of the surface of the skin with cool water for in between 10 and 30 minutes. It is also important to do this right away, ideally within 20 minutes of sustaining the burn.
It is important not to use ice or very cold water, because very cold things can burn the skin just like hot things can.
Creams and greasy substances should not be used either, for example, never put butter on a burn even though it might sound like a good, soothing idea.
In order to help ease the pain and soothe the skin, it is a good idea to take a nice cool shower or bath, but if you are taking a show, make sure that the water flow is not very heavy, because that could hurt and irritate the skin even more.
It is best to cover up the burn with a cling film. But it is better to just cover the surface of the burn instead of wrapping it around the hand or leg, or wherever the burn occurred.
If the burn is causing a lot of pain, it is good to take a minor, non-prescription over-the-counter pain reliever to help with that. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and things of that nature can help.
However, do not take too much of the medication, and follow the instruction on the container or those of the doctor that has recommended them to you.
It is important to not touch the burn or to break any blisters on the skin that ma occur, in order to prevent infections.
For any more serious cases, a doctor should be contacted immediately to take a look at the burn and recommend a proper treatment.
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