Burns are skin injuries caused by various factors. They can result from the sun, heat, friction from an object, electricity, or chemicals. The severity of the burn depends on the characteristics of the injury.
Types of Burns
First-Degree Burns: These affect the outermost layer of the skin. Burns caused by the sun or hot liquids fall into this category. Symptoms include redness, and the affected area feels painful, burning, and tight. This is the mildest type and heals within a few days without requiring treatment. It also doesn’t leave scars.
Second-Degree Burns: These impact the intermediate layers of the skin. Blisters often appear with this type of burn, and the superficial layers may peel. While they heal without complications, they take longer than first-degree burns.
Third-Degree Burns: These penetrate the full thickness of the skin. They are very severe, affecting nerve endings, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. If extensive, they can even be life-threatening. Recovery is slower, and scars or areas of numb skin are very common.
Immediate Treatment
The first step is to apply cold to the affected area. This will relieve pain and reduce the extent and depth of the injury. Let cold water, approximately 15°C (59°F), run about 10 cm (4 inches) from the skin. Be careful not to apply pressure to the area. While doing this, make oscillating movements. If the burn is extensive, use lukewarm water at 25°C (77°F). Then, dry the skin by gently patting it with sterilized gauze. Never rub the injury.
Wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect the wound. Next, apply a moisturizing gel with a gauze compress and a bandage. It’s important to clean and disinfect the area regularly, doing so each time you replace the gauze.
Natural Treatments for Burns
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Vinegar
This excellent antiseptic helps prevent infections. Mix one part vinegar with one part water and use this solution to clean the affected area. Then, cover the burn with a cloth soaked in the mixture. Replace it every two to three hours. Note that apple cider vinegar is most effective for sunburns.
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Honey
Being antibacterial, honey helps disinfect the wound. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory. To use it, place some honey on gauze and apply it directly to the affected area. Change it three to four times a day after thoroughly cleaning with warm water for faster healing.
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Aloe Vera
After cleaning the affected area, cut an aloe vera leaf and apply its cold gel directly to the burn. The plant’s analgesic and astringent properties will soothe the pain and help the skin regenerate more quickly.
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Raw Potato
Peel a potato, wash it well, and gently rub it over the wound for four minutes. Repeat twice a day. This is an effective solution to reduce pain and prevent blisters, but it only works if applied immediately after the burn.
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Onion
The sulfur and quercetin in onions will ease pain and prevent blisters. Cut an onion and apply its juice to the burn. Do this immediately, as the vegetable loses its properties over time. Repeat the process several times a day.
Laser Treatments for Burn Scars
Lasers have various applications for improving people’s health and physical appearance. At Cali Laser Center, we have 10 different laser devices for dermocosmetic procedures. Each serves a distinct purpose, and the advantage of having multiple specialized lasers—rather than a single multipurpose device—is consistently better results. Using a different laser tailored to each specific skin need is far more effective than relying on one laser for all procedures.
To treat burn scars, we use the Fraxel Laser, Pixel CO2 Laser, and Pixelated Erbium YAG. These advanced, fast, and effective systems resurface and retexture the skin by stimulating collagen production. The procedure is often performed under topical anesthesia with well-tolerated creams. Depending on the type of injury and the pre-treatment evaluation by Dr. Fernando Motta Mafla, patients typically require 2 to 6 sessions, spaced 1 to 2 months apart. Results are visible from the start of treatment.
Dr. Fernando Motta Mafla is a specialist in aesthetic medicine and laser hair removal and serves as the director of Cali Laser Center.
For more information about Dr. Fernando Motta Mafla, visit his official website: www.drfernandomotta.com