A burn is a skin lesions caused by high heat and is loosely classified into first, second and third degree. The first degree burn is the most superficial one and only causes skin irritation. At this level, only the epidermis is affected while in second degree burns, a deeper area of the skin is reached. The burn is described as superficial if the epidermis and part of dermis are slightly affected, but if both of them are completely destroyed, the injury is more serious. There is talk of third degree burn when the dermis is also destroyed. At this stage, the skin is completely charred.
Depending on the source that provokes the burn and the time of exposure to this source, the injury’s symptoms will be different. The first manifestation of a burn is the skin turning pink, with very little pain although the affected area soon becomes hypersensitive. The most common type of first degree burn is sunburn. Still concerning first degree burns, the lesion becomes more important when the skin turns red and the level of pain is more pronounced. Wearing clothes becomes unbearable if the piece of clothing touches the affected body part.
A second degree burn causes blisters called vesicles. However, the completely damaged epidermis is still able to heal relatively fast. However, since the dermis is affected in this case, there is a risk of infection. Therefore, use suitable bandages. If the burned area is large enough (equal to the size of a hand if the affected person is a child), there is also a high likelihood of dehydration. Finally, the injured person may end up in a state of shock. All of these symptoms can be treated with homoeopathy.
Superficial lesions can be treated with Apis mellifica and Belladonna. Apis mellifica is to be taken in dilutions of 9 or 15 CH, with a dose consisting of 5 granules that needs to be administered every 10 to 15 minutes. As the pain gradually lessens, space out the remedy intakes. It is also recommended to take a dose of Belladonna 9 or 15 CH at the same time, or 5 granules of which the dilution is 9 CH to be taken every hour. Intakes will also be spaced out depending on the level of pain, and treatment should not last longer than 24 hours. Complete the treatment by taking 5 granules of Apis mellifica 5 CH and Belladonna 4 CH in the morning, afternoon and evening. Apis mellifica is the most recommended remedy for mild lesions that result in pink skin, while Belladonna is more suitable for the treatment of skin that was reddened by a burn.
For second degree burns, take 5 granules of Cantharis vesicatoria every 2 hours. As for superficial wounds, the intakes will be more spaced out as the pain decreases in intensity.
For both first and second degree burns, it is imperative to soak the affected area in cold water for fifteen minutes before applying a Calendula-based ointment on it to speed up the healing process. Washing the affected area with clear water is even more important in cases of burns caused by a chemical product. Bandages soaked in lotion made of Hypercum or Urtica Urens are also useful for soothing the skin.
A concussion resulting from a burn should never be overlooked as it can not only seriously increase the burning sensation, but also leave psychological scars. To treat the burned patient, administer a dose of Aconite 7 CH 7 if that person is in a state of shock.
Second degree burns, as well as others that are more severe, require a medical consultation. In children, a critical burn is equivalent to one that covers 10 % of their body’s total surface area; while in adults that proportion is 15%. Moreover, any lesion resulting in loss of fluid (early dehydration) also requires further medical attention. Finally, if the lesion takes too long to heal despite the fact that it has already been treated, it will need to be examined by a specialist.
Good to know: Not only is homoeopathy able to quickly heal wounds resulting from burns, it is also able to treat the ensuing psychological trauma that may affect the burn victim. Besides, homoeopathy can be used in combination with allopathy for increased effectiveness.
