Natural Remedies for a Burn

Burns are very common. Certain natural remedies can help to heal a burn fast. You may burn your fingers when you’re cooking. First degree burns are generally superficial. They affect only the top layer of the skin (epidermis). This may cause blisters, swelling and redness of the skin. Second degree burns will penetrate to the dermis, the second layer of the skin. Third degree burns will destroy the skin completely and may damage the underlying muscles. It can result in scarring.

Aloe Vera Plant

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Erin Silversmith

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy for burns. Just cut a aloe vera leaf with a knife and squeeze the gel to the affected skin. It will reduce the pain and the burning sensation. According to the New York Times, a group of surgeons studied the effects of Aloe Vera on burns. They concluded that aloe vera could make a difference when applied to first degree burns.  However second and third degree burns require medical attention.

How to Treat Burns

The burnt area should be washed with cold water. Don’t use ice, as it may aggravate the problem

Open a capsule of vitamin E and apply the oil on the affected area. Consuming vitamin A and vitamin E can also heal the burn quickly.

Potato Skin

Potato skin can replace bandages in treating burns. Dr. Narayana a plastic surgeon of Jubilee Medical College in Kerala (India) says that potato skin is not sticky and heals the wound fast. It helps to keep the wound moist and can be peeled of easily. Water evaporates from the burn wound quickly, making it dry. Potato peel helps to prevent this. The ability of the potato peel to keep the wound moist, helps to heal the burn wounds faster.

Bandage

It is advisable to put burn wounds under cold water for about 5 minutes. Then the skin can be covered with sterile bandage. This can help to reduce the pain and irritation. You can also take pain killers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

It is necessary to keep the wound as clean as possible to prevent infection. Several OTC creams for burns are available. One of these can be applied to the affected area.

Alternately you can apply an antibiotic cream on the burn wound to prevent infection. You should use a non stick cotton bandage to cover the wound. It is necessary to change the bandage every day. Blisters should not be broken as they prevent infection.

Don’t apply butter, oil or Vaseline on the burn, as the burn requires moisture to heal.

Vinegar

Dilute vinegar can be applied on minor burns. As vinegar is acidic it helps prevent infection. After the application of vinegar, cover the wound with a sterile cloth.

To Treat Burn Scars

Aloe vera gel is quite useful in minimizing scarring due to burn. Apply aloe vera gel on the scar 3-4 times every day.

Papaya is also effective in minimizing the scars. Rub ripe papaya fruit chunk on the affected skin several times a day.

Paste made from Fuller’s earth helps to fade the scars. Add a tbsp of lemon juice and some rose water to make a paste. Apply the paste and wash it off after ten minutes. Repeat the process 3-4 times a day. 

If the burn is serious consult a doctor immediately. It is extremely important to prevent infection.

What Causes Cracked Fingers and Heels: Home Remedies

There are several causes of cracked skin fingers and heels. Cracked dry skin is a very common problem. Women seem to be more prone to the problem than men. Hands and feet are common areas that suffer from cracked skin. At times it could just be a cosmetic problem. But if left unattended cracked dry skin may bleed and lead to infection.

Some of the reasons for the condition are

-       Frequent hand washing

-       Use of harsh detergents

-       Extreme winter and prolonged dry conditions

-       Prolonged standing on hard floor

-       Open backed footwear

-       Diabetes

-       Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis

 Home Remedies for Cracked Fingers

It is necessary use a moisturizer on the skin. Petroleum jelly is very useful for the purpose. It is essential to apply it generously to the affected skin. It is advisable to wash your hands with mild soap before the application of the jelly. The hands can be covered with gloves after the application.

Almond oil, coconut oil and olive oil are also very good moisturizers. They can be used instead of petroleum jelly. Using hot water may aggravate the problem. Before going out in cold weather, it is better to cover your hands with gloves

Some of the other remedies for cracked fingers are   

-       Mix vitamin E with almond oil and apply it

-       Mashed banana is a very good remedy. It can be applied on the affected skin

-       Mashed avocado can also be used. It helps to produce body oils

-       Castor oil, bees wax and lanolin can be mixed and melted together and applied

-       Honey can be mixed with egg yolk and applied

-       Yogurt and lemon juice are a very good combination to cure cracked skin.

If the reason for the condition is cold weather or detergents the above remedies can cure the condition. If it is due some underlying illness a doctor has to be consulted.

Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

-       Apply mashed ripe bananas over the cracked heels and wash it off after half an hour

-       Glycerin is an excellent moisturizer. It can be mixed with rose water and applied to the heels

-       Mix lemon juice with petroleum jelly and apply it to the affected skin

-       Petroleum jelly can be substituted by coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil, all of which are very good moisturizers.

-       Coconut oil can be melted together with paraffin wax and applied.

Cracked skin on the heels can be prevented by using footwear which covers the feet properly. Feet have to thoroughly cleaned at night before going to bed. A thick layer of moisturizing cream or lotion has to be applied to get rid of the cracked dry skin.

What Foods are High in Antioxidants?

There are several foods high in antioxidants. An antioxidant is defined as something that stops oxidation. Antioxidant foods help to destroy the free radicals that speed up the aging process. They also help the body in its fight against bacteria and viruses. The damage caused by free radicals increases as we age. If the body has more free radicals, the dead cells in the body increase. This will lead to sagging skin and wrinkles. Antioxidants are found in certain vitamins and other foods. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotenes contain antioxidants. They speed up metabolism. They also clean up the body of free radicals and help to reduce weight. Here are details of some foods with antioxidants to promote a healthy life. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a rich source of antioxidants. Fruits like guava, papaya, kiwi fruit, oranges and lemons are rich in vitamin C. Other sources of vitamin C are tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and red pepper.

Vitamin E

Some of the best sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils like palm, soya bean, sunflower and olive oil. Vegetables like mustard greens and broccoli are rich in vitamin E. Pine nuts, almonds and peanuts are also rich in vitamin E. It helps to prevent collagen being destroyed by UV rays from the sun.

Vitamin A

Liver, sweet potatoes, red pepper, chili powder, lettuce and carrots are rich in vitamin A.

Beta carotene

Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A, inside the body. It helps to protect cells, strengthen the immune system and also protect the reproductive system. Some of the foods rich in beta carotenes are turnip greens, cabbage, collards, sweet potatoes and pumpkins.

Resveratrol

Some of the best sources of resveratrol are grape, wine and peanuts. Resveratrol is a very potent antioxidant. So it has excellent anti aging properties.

Selenium

Some of the best dietary sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, fish, egg, meat, peanuts, almonds and pistachios. Selenium rich meat is kidney, lobster and crab.

Green Tea

Green tea contains polyphenols and catechins. They help the body to get rid of free radicals.

Antioxidants can reduce health related problems. They improve the immune system, reducing skin wrinkles, sagging and protect the body against all diseases including cancer. These are some of the best foods high in antioxidants for a healthy lifestyle.