Burns
These injuries involve damage to the skin or other tissues by heat,
flame, or corrosive chemicals. There are three ‘degrees’
a burn can have: in the first degree, skin is reddened, as with
a bad sunburn, and there is pain but usually no blisters. The affected
skin blanches to the touch. In the second degree, the outer layer
of skin has been damaged, and underlying tissue is affected, as
with a very bad scrape. There can be bleeding or oozing of fluid
and blisters, and there is much pain. The color is pink to dark
red, as a scab. In the third degree, the entire dermal layer has
been destroyed, and underlying muscle or bone is revealed. Nerve
damage occurs, and there usually is little pain as a result. The
color can range from white to very dark red, bordering on black;
however, if the skin is not dark, it will not blanch when pressure
is applied in a third degree burn.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Alleviate pain, prevent infection, and speed the regeneration
of tissue while protecting the affected area.
Primary Treatment:
· Immediately run the burn under lukewarm water, washing
away any debris that may remain.
· Follow the indications under ‘differential diagnoses’,
below, depending on the degree of burn.
Supportive Treatment:
· Use tinctures of Piscidia erythrina (Jamaican Dogwood),
Eschcolzica californica (California Poppy), Hypericum perforatum
(St. John’s Wort) and / or Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet)
for pain relief.
· Homeopathic Symphytum can be taken in low potencies (6X-12X)
to prevent scarring.
· Vitamin E oil can be applied externally to prevent scarring.
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· For first degree burns, apply a cold mixture of Aloe vera
gel and Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) essential oil. Repeat
as necessary. Keep the burn undressed unless necessary to protect
it.
· For second degree burns, alternate the above applications
with Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) oil or salve.
Gently ‘pop’ any blisters that may form, cleaning the
burn with water and Lavender. After 24 hours, begin light applications
of Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) powder to prevent infection.
· For third degree or full-thickness burns, if wider than
a pencil, refer to emergency treatment. Be aware that sometimes
third-degree burns may take two or three days to appear abnormal.
· If there are second or third degree burns over more than
40% of the body area, or there has been smoke inhalation form a
fire, or the patient is over 60 years of age, refer immediately
to emergency treatment.
· Monitor the wound carefully for 72 hours. If redness, swelling,
or red streaking occur and pain increases, immediately begin treating
the wound as infected.
