Burns are among the most common of all injuries and there are probably none among us who have not suffered burns at some point of time in our lives. Burns are injuries that are caused due to exposure to excessive heat as from a fire, sun exposure and so on, or due to certain heated fluids like oil, or because of exposure to electricity or certain chemicals. While there are a variety of methods by which we may suffer burns, the severity and extent of burn injuries also varies greatly.

Most cases of burns that we are all familiar with and will have suffered at some point are minor or first degree burns that are non-threatening and not really much cause for worry. Burns of this nature do not really require any medical attention at most times and simple home remedies for burns and blisters from common misadventures in the kitchen with boiling water or oil will suffice. Burns of this nature will cause pain but the use of home remedies for such burns should offer considerable relief and can also help prevent or minimize scarring. Burns can however be a lot more severe and result in death, which is why severe burns require emergency medical attention.



Each and every one must have felt the pain of a burn at least once in their life. Depending upon the severity of burns they are categorized in to three categories namely first degree burns, second degree burns and third degree burns. Burns are treated depending upon the category of the burn and the cause.

The treatment for burns quite naturally depends on the severity, size and area of the burn. It is important that you are aware of first aid measures for minor burn treatment as most burns of this nature can be treated at home itself with home remedies for some quick burn relief. This is particularly important if you have kids at home as they may not be as cautious and it would help to have first aid handy for burn relief for children at home.



Our skin is in fact one of the most important organs and performs the vital role of regulating fluids and temperature control of the body. If a burn covers a large enough area of skin this ability of the skin may be lost, causing severe problems. The skin also plays an extremely important role as a protective barrier, shielding us against the environment with its abundance of bacteria and viruses.

The skin comprises of three layers; the epidermis is the outermost layer, the dermis which is the middle layer comprises of collagen and elastic fibers and has in it the sweat glands, hair follicles, and also the nerves. The hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue is the deepest layer and performs the vital role of tissue regulation. The larger blood vessels and nerves are located in this layer of skin. The extent of damage caused by a burn therefore depends on various factors. Burns are classified into three categories based on their severity:



First degree burns are the most common of all burn injuries cause surface injury such as inflammation of the skin. Skin inflammation from such burns is painful and causes redness and some swelling. The skin becomes tender to touch, but this is not a severe type of burn and can be treated at home.



Second degree burns cause greater damage because they are deeper in the skin, causing not just pain and inflammation, but also blistering of the skin. Second degree burn treatment at home with first aid measures can help to minimize the extent of damage or lessen the symptoms, but medical treatment is also necessary.



Third degree burns are obviously the most severe and affect all layers of skin. Third degree burns are extremely serious and they completely destroy or kill the skin in the area affected. Because of the depth of the damage third degree burns are unlikely to cause pain as the nerves and blood vessels in the area are also damaged. The areas that are burnt have a white and leathery appearance. Third degree burn treatment requires emergency care and hospitalization as there is a high risk of fatalities.



Keep in mind that even burns that appear to be mild could turn out to be a lot more severe as burns may progress over a few hours, with a first degree burn causing deeper damage becoming a second degree burn. Severe sunburn for example may simply cause inflammation at first, but blisters may develop overnight. No matter what the type of burn it does cause damage to the body’s first line of defense against infection if there is any breakage of the skin, in and around the site of the burn. Deep burns may cause permanent scarring and in severe burns the skin in the area may never restore its normal function. This is because only the epidermis, which is the outermost layer, has the ability to regenerate.

Symptoms of First Degree, Second Degree and Third Degree Burns

Burns are caused not just by touching hot objects or fire, it can be caused by many other things

The word is often used to caution small children from hot things. The very first thing that the word “burn” brings to our mind is touching of hot things or burns due to fire. But burn need not be only caused due to touching hot things or fire. It may be caused due to electric appliances or live wire, over exposure to sun etc. What ever the cause may be, it only gives you the pain. Small children experience more severe pain due to their sensitive skin.



Precautionary measures and exercising some degree of caution is essential as it can help avert not just minor burns and injuries but also life threatening injuries resulting from third degree burns. Burns are caused when the skin is subjected to intense high temperatures, typically above 140 degrees Fahrenheit or 60 degrees Celsius. Burns can be caused by a variety of substances like fire, steam or hot liquids. Another common cause for minor burns at home is from picking up hot metal, glass or other objects, like utensils or dishes. Electrical burns can also be very severe, depending quite naturally on the current. Chemical burns on the skin are another common problem and burns from radiation such as from x-rays or radiation therapy are also not uncommon. Burns from over exposure to sunlight, or sunburn, are probably the most common.

Reduce the Temperature of the Burnt Area

After a burn, the very first thing that you should do is to reduce the temperature of the burnt area. Put lots of chilled water or dip that body part into chilled water for 15 to 30 minutes.

Apply honey to the wound once you have washed the wound properly. It will prevent infection and will heal the wound.

Papaya contains enzymes that help to remove dead cells from the wound.

Aloe Vera is good for treating burns. Cut some fresh aloe Vera leaves and put it on the burnt area.Once the wound starts healing, break a capsule of vitamin E and pour the liquid on it. This will prevent scarring.

Applying lavender oil is also found to be effective for burns.

Burn Remedy

The emergency care or first aid that is provided to a burn victim is absolutely vital to the outcome. Prompt treatment with first aid can help restrict the extent of the burn in first or second degree burns and may also help prevent permanent damage and scarring. Home remedies for burn scar removal and treatment may be helpful, but it is not advisable to attempt administering burn remedies like toothpaste, honey or mustard as some of these home remedies simply amount to quackery and may complicate the problem if dealing with severe burns. For any surface skin burn treatment or mild burn treatment at home it would be best to use over the counter applications to minimize any risk of scarring or infection.

High Protein, High Calorie Diet Rich in Vitamins and minerals is Useful for Recovery

Diet plays a very important role in the healing process. To speed up the recovery, burns patients must consume a high protein and calorie diet. Skin burn causes a loss of substantial percentage of micronutrients, such as copper, selenium, and zinc. This slows the healing process and also increases the risk of infection.

Some of the vitamins important for the recovery are Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Glutamine, Arginine, copper, zinc, Selenium etc.

Other factors you need to know for burns

Once the preliminary treatment for the burn is done, don’t get careless. Take your medicines on time and do not keep the wound open.