Beating the Burns
Burns on the skin call for immediate attention. Caused either by callousness, or even due to adverse situations, any degree of burns attented to immediately can reduce the impact. However, it is best to consult a doctor, even for minor burns, so that they find complete cures. Here are some simple ways to attend to burns as they occur in the home or workplace.
The first thing to do is remove any clothing or covering around the burn. Apply cold water on the burnt area. Do not use ice, but only cold water. Cover the area with a clean cloth. Do not use any creams, ointments, honey or ghee without consulting the doctor first. If blisters are formed, do not puncture them. Small blisters are best left alone to heal themselves. Larger ones can be surgically punctured to avoid ruptures and infections.
Mix turmeric powder in water, or grind a paste of fresh turmeric in water and apply on the burnt area. Better still would be to make a diluted mixture and sprinkle on the affected portion every few minutes.
Take some fresh, tender neem leaves and make a paste with some cold curd. Apply this over burnt areas.
Use aloe vera gel on the burns. The fresh variety is best. It will cool the area instantly.
For large burns, cut the stem of the banana plant.Squeeze the extract derived over the burnt area for immediate relief.
For severe body burns, make the patient lie on banana leaves which are cooling and will subside the burning sensation.
Do not neglect burns, and visit the doctor immediately. Take all precautions while near objects that could pose dangerous. Burns are often irreversible. Caution is the key to avoid being burnt at all. Keep children away from dangerous artlicles, and even warm food. A burn can often be life threatening. Take it seriously.
