Do you know what to do if you're burned by direct heat, like from a stove top or a fire? Here's vital information from dermatologist and author Dr. Doris Day, who explains how to treat minor burns at home, AND how to tell whether you need to get professional help.
How to treat a burn
Follow these steps to treat a minor burn from a grill or a stove. If you react in time, you may be able to avoid blisters and scars:
* If you suffer a burn, get a cool pack not an ice pack. Apply it for 10 or 15 minutes.
* Take an anti-inflammatory right away, like aspirin or ibuprofen. They will reduce redness and swelling.
* A hydrocortisone cream also reduces redness and swelling.
* An aloe vera plant (or gel) soothes the skin and helps to numb the pain.
* Grind up some oatmeal, milk, honey, and aloe vera gel into a paste. Apply it directly to the burn. Let it sit for 10 or 15 minutes. It acts as a cool pack and can help prevent blisters.
* If the skin immediately peels off or if the pain in unbearable, it is an indication of a deep burn. Call your doctor or visit the ER right away.
While Dr. Day's tips for treating a minor burn should help reduce the pain and swelling and perhaps blistering, be sure to monitor the burn area closely and seek medical expert medical help if you believe it to be infected or if you have skin immediately peeling in the area.
Watch the hi-def video on Howdini:
http://www.howdini.com/howdini-video-7115157.html
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