Emergency Tips
Created 3/12/01
Updated 10/03/01
Grease Burn
Immediately
Remove any clothing that has grease touching your skin immediately!!
If you spill grease on your skin immediately wash it off by applying a degreasing dish soap, (keep this soap in a bottle by the sink) and use cool water to rinse off. Run cold water over the area for 15 to 30 minutes or until the burning stops.
Cold milk is soothing to the burn so make a compress by soaking a clean rag in cold milk and apply to the area for 15 minutes. Be sure to rinse the rag out thoroughly as it will develop a sour odor that may be difficult to remove.
Elevate the burn if possible.
If you have an aloe vera plant apply the juice to the burn.
Use ice packs with a cloth between your skin to keep the heat down in the burn, but remember getting the affected area too cold can cause frostbite.
Take a pain reliever like ibuprofen.
Evaluate the burn
1st Degree Burns: red and painful (sunburns and scalding also appear in this group) This class of burns is treatable at home.
2nd Degree Burns: ooze, blister and are painful. These can be treated at home only if it is a small area (smaller than a quarter).
3rd Degree Burns: charred and white or creamy colored. These can be caused by chemicals, electricity or contact with something hot. Even though these may not hurt this is because nerve endings have been destroyed and it is very important you see a doctor because of the threat of infection.
See a doctor also if the burn does not heal in 10 days. A child or adult over 60 should also see a doctor for any burn.
After Care
Leave the burn alone for 24 hours. Then wash the area with a mild soap and cool water. Keeping the burn clean is very important. Leave the blisters alone. If one pops clean the area with soap and water and apply and antibiotic ointment and cover.
Taking vitamins help in the healing process: Vitamins C, A, E, and Zinc
Using over- the- counter burn treatments with aloe helps aid in the healing.
As with any home medical care, if you have medical problems it is wise to consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter medicine and trying to treat yourself.
Sunburn
Use the above chart to evaluate the degree of burn.
Cold milk is soothing to the burn so make a compress by soaking a clean rag in cold milk an apply to the area for 15 minutes. Be sure to rinse the milk off and out of the rag as it will go to smelling.
Use 1 cup of White Vinegar in a tub of water and soak the burn.
Avoid using water that is too warm. Try not to scrub the sunburn or use anything that will cause the skin to dry out or become irritated.
Apply salad dressing or mayonnaise to the sunburn.
Take a pain reliever like ibuprofen.
Taking vitamins helps in the healing process: Vitamins C, A, E, and Zinc
Using over- the- counter burn treatments with aloe helps aid in the healing.
As with any home medical care, if you have medical problems it is wise to consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter medicine and trying to treat yourself.
Remember to avoid sunburn apply a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF and an after sun cream afterward.
See a doctor: if you experience chills, nausea, fever, faintness or fatigue. If your burn is accompanied by purple blotches or discoloration, excessive blistering or intense itching.