Burns

A burn is damage to the skin tissues caused by overexposure to heat, open flame, chemicals or radiation.

Symptoms and Types

Burn symptoms vary depending on the severity of the burn. There are three degrees(types) of burns.

First degree burns are the least severe and only affect the top layer of skin(epidermis). The affected skin usually heals within a few days and may even peel away.

Second degree burns are more painful than first degree burns because they damage the skin more deeply. Typically it may take a week or two for the burn to completely heal with little to no permanent skin damage

Third degree burns are very severe and affect not only the skin but also the bones and muscle tissue underneath. Cases of third degree burn are extremely painful and require immediate emergency medical attention. In most instances, a burn specialist will be required to help the victim recover.
Natural Remedies

Aromatherapy: Lavender, geranium, and camphor essential oils all help speed burn recovery times. To avoid blistering, use rose essential oil.

Ayurveda: Apply fresh Aloe-Vera gel or plain ghee and avocado oil to the affected areas.

Diet: Eat a high-protein diet for second as well as third degree burns to help repair broken tissue. Also increase your intake of fluids and high-zinc oxide foods, for example pumpkin seeds and oysters.

Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy Cream® can be applied (minimum four times each day) on unbroken skin-but not on top of – an open injury resulting from burn. Rescue Remedy® liquid may also be used to calm the stress associated with a burn.

Herbs: In cases of first degree burns, utilize a poultice, or cool salve. For sunburns use cool natural Aloe-Vera gel applied liberally on the burnt skin. If badly burned, a salve made with St. John`s Wort and calendula blossoms may also be useful.

Homeopathy: For first degree burns Calendula, Hypericum, Arnica , Urtica Urens, and Belladonna can be helpful. Arnica (for shock), Cantharis, as well as Belladonna are excellent homeopathic treatments for 2nd degree burns. Although third degree require the immediate attention of a physician, they can also benefit from the use of Urtica urens, and Rhus tox.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of alternating between hot and cold temperatures using water, ice and steam to maintain and restore health. Treatments include complete body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions and can easily be utilized in the home as part of a self-care program. Numerous naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use hydrotherapy as part of their treatments. We recommend several in-house hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these types of procedures to make sure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment.*

Nutritional Supplementation: Apply a Vitamin C salve to the affected area. Vitamin E can also have a strong effect on burns of all types, as can using a 100% solution of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to reduce scarring and stop peeling. To further speed healing times, supplement with free-form proteins, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) as well as zinc.

Topical ointment Treatment: Water and vinegar applied to the affected areas can speed recovery. Silver bandages (colloidal silver applied to bandage) applied to first degree burns is also helpful.

What to do instantly: If you suffer from burns, instantly run cold water over the affected area. This will also help prevent blisters. In cases of second degree burns, mix baking soda, olive oil, zinc ointment, and pure vitamin E and apply to skin to help speed recovery. Take care not to pop blisters or it may take longer for your skin to recover. To get rid of substances melted on skin such as plastic material or tar residue, use ice-cold water.

*Severe burns require instant emergency medical attention.*

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the advice listed above, seek the help of a competent health professional. These professional treatments have been shown to be useful for dealing with and reducing the symptoms of burns: Cell Therapy, Guided Imagery, Light box therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Air Therapy (especially Hyperbaric Air Therapy), and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these Alternative Therapies.)