If you are wondering how to get rid of burn scars, you might be a little disappointed. It is challenging to get rid of a scar completely. On the other hand, if you are wondering how to treat a burn or improve the scar from a burn you might be surprised at the various options that you might have. Find out how to use Vaseline to treat minor burns at home, and other injuries care tips.
Is Vaseline ok for burns?
Petroleum jelly on burn skin
Before we look at how you can use Vaseline to treat minor burns, let's first understand what the product is.
What is Vaseline (petroleum jelly)?
Vaseline is a mineral oil that many organizations market as a general-purpose skin treatment. It is a thick, waxy paste that many people use as a skincare product. Other names of Vaseline include; petroleum jelly and petrolatum. The purity of Vaseline depends on the manufacturing process. Beware that unrefined petroleum jelly might contain ingredients, but refined petroleum jelly is usually safe. Thus it is essential to read the ingredients label. Vaseline is a common, multipurpose salve found in most households. Vaseline moisturize dry skin. It is also used for a wide variety of skin problems, from soothing dry lips to removing makeup and taming eyebrows. But the most surprising thing is that petroleum jelly can be used to treat burns, according to experts.
Vaseline on burn
Burn injuries are common among people who spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. If this happens, go ahead and smear petroleum jelly on it immediately. However, not all petroleum jellies are good to treat a burn. You should also not apply Vaseline on the fresh burn, notably if the layer of the skin was missing. Any non-sterile, it can promote the growth of bacteria in the wound, any greasy petroleum jelly should be kept away from the burn injury because it can create a moisture barrier and slow down the healing process. Greasy Vaseline can also trap the latent heat from escaping the burn injury, making it go deeper into the skin tissues and causing more damage.
Benefits of using Vaseline to treat a burn
While Vaseline cannot heal all skin burns, it is a versatile and affordable option for first and second-degree burns.
- Vaseline acts as a skin barrier; The skin does not absorb Vaseline easily. This means that Vaseline is not a moisturizer, but a barrier that can keep dirt out and prevent moisture loss. People can try applying it on irritated burned skin before spending time outside in cold, dry and windy air.
- Support healing; Since Vaseline creates a natural barrier, it may prevent infection and reduce the risk of scarring. However, overuse of Vaseline on a burn wound can prevent the skin from performing its natural protective film, slowing down the healing and increasing the risk of infection.
- Prevent peeling; Peeling a burn can be irritating. When skin dry that it peels, Vaseline can soothe the irritation and help skin heal.
Other medicinal uses of Vaseline
- People can apply Vaseline to dry, chapped lips or irritated eyelids during cold seasons. Use Vaseline to manage eczema. Eczema is a long term skin condition which causes scaly patches, itching, and irritation. Studies have shown that petroleum jelly can be used to prevent eczema, especially infants.
- Treating diaper rash; Most babies develop diaper rash after sitting in wet diapers. Vaseline creates a moisture barrier that can reduce the risk of diaper rash.
- Vaseline can also soothe the skin and provide relief from existing diaper rashes.
- Use Vaseline to prevent chafing; chafing occurs when the skin rubs against another body part or clothing and can be very irritating. This is particularly so for individuals with eczema or dry skin.
- Some people develop rashes or broken skin as a result of chafing. Smearing petroleum jelly to areas prone to chafing may help prevent it.
- People with a cold may apply Vaseline under their nose to prevent irritation due to a runny nose or frequent nose-wiping.
Risks and considerations of using Vaseline to treat burns
Purified forms of petroleum jelly do not have dangerous ingredients. Petroleum jelly is one of the most common commercial forms of petroleum jelly, and it is rated to have a low risk of exposing users to carcinogens and other dangerous substances.
Unrefined petroleum jelly has some potential for dangerous contaminants. Medical research suggests that a group of carcinogens can cause cancer and damage, especially to the groin. People interested in using Vaseline to treat burns should purchase it from reputable stores. Handmade products that have petroleum jelly and products made by unknown producers may have harmful components. It is worth noting that Vaseline can make some skin problems, including burns worse. The skin typically develops a protective layer after an injury, which helps prevent further damage and infection. Vaseline interferes with the development of this layer.
Vaseline may also make pores to clog. While some kinds of vaseline promise not to clog the pores, it forms a barrier that may lead to skin breakouts, mainly if used often. People with acne or sensitive should vaseline on acne-prone areas, such as the face. Vaseline may also irritate lungs, particularly in large quantities. Even though it is rare, it can cause pneumonia. Whereas some people use Vaseline to ease chapped, dry nostrils, doing so could cause breathing problems. Use Vaseline on the skin, not inside the body. People who have a respiratory condition such as asthma should speak to a doctor before using petroleum jelly near the nose or mouth.
What can you put on a burn to stop the pain?
How to treat a burn?
You can use first aid to help relieve pain and minimize complications from a burn. Basic first aid may help reduce the chance of developing a large blister from forming.
Minor Burns
- Run the burn under cool water for ten minutes - running cool water over a first-degree or second-degree burn can both soothe and prevent further harm from the burn. Running cool water over the burn for at least 20 mins will cool the skin down. This treatment does wonders; it reduces or eliminates the pain from the burn. It additionally stops the burn from getting worse and affecting deeper levels of the pores and skin.
- Clean the burn - After running the burn underneath cool water, it is essential to clean the burn thoroughly. People should use moderate antibacterial soap and not scrub. Cleansing the burn will help prevent contamination, which can complicate the healing of the burn and require clinical attention.
- Pat the burn dry gently using a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Seal the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing - Minor first-degree burns are not likely to require a bandage. Even second-degree burns with unopened blisters might not require a bandage. If the position of the burn is can easily cause chafing or means that dirt can easily be trapped in the burn, however, a bandage may be required. in the case of oozing blisters, dressing the burn with a bandage can help prevent dirt or infections from entering into the burn. It is essential to wrap the burn loosely and not follow sticky bandages directly at the wound itself.
- Antibiotics - when a burn has open blisters, a person may want to use antibiotic lotions and ointments. Antibiotic creams can also help prevent the wound from getting infected and assist the burn to heal faster.
- Over the counter pain medications - Even first-degree and second-degree burns are painful until they heal. Someone may wish to take medication to help reduce the pain and swelling. Ibuprofen is an excellent choice for a pain-reliever.
- Keep away from the sun - Keeping a burn shaded when outside can help minimize both pain and the risk of worsening the burn. If an individual cannot avoid the sun, wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers the wound may help.
- You can apply aloe vera or honey to the wound.
Do not try to relieve the burning pain by:
- placing ice directly on a burn, since this can reduce circulation
- using any food substances on burns, such as butter, as this can trap heat in the burn
- applying cotton wool, as this can stick to the burn and can cause an infection
- Take over the counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, which can help ease any discomfort.
Severe Burns
- If a person has a severe burn, they should call 911 or go to an emergency room on the spot.
- raise the burnt region above heart level if possible
- lie flat, raise the feet, and keep the rest of the body warm to prevent shock apply a damp, cool, clean cloth to the burnt area
- not treat a severe burn with cold water, as it can cause shock
Medical treatment for a burn
People with minor burns are frequently able to cure these injuries at home. A physician can also offer remedies, such as:
- applying antibiotic ointment to the burn
- sealing the burn in a bandage or dressing that has silver, which can help reduce the chance of infection occurrence
- checking that the burn is healing properly and has no symptoms of infection
- Individuals with more severe burns will require medical assistance.
A doctor can treat severe skin burns by:
- removing the area of the ski that is burnt
- maintaining blood pressure and preventing shock by giving a person extra fluids
- performing a skin graft by transplanting healthy skin onto the burnt area
- people can protect themselves and others from burns by being careful with hot liquids and food items to prevent scalding. They should also put safety measures in place in case of a fire.
Preventing A Burn
Ways to help prevent burning include:
- keep hot liquids away from children
- turn pan handles away from the front of the stove, so people are less likely to knock them over
- Install smoke alarms on every floor of the home, within hearing range of all room where people sleep
- test once a month that smoke alarms are working
- make sure everyone in the house knows the escape plan in the event of a fire
- Keep harmful chemicals out of reach of children
- keep the water heater set to 120°F or lower
- cover the skin in direct sunlight and put on sunscreen to prevent sunburn
- You may be able to prevent a mild burn from becoming severe by running it under cool water for at least ten minutes immediately after burning occurs.
When to see a doctor?
Most mild burns heal without medical treatment, typically within a week, and an individual will not require to see a doctor. People should see a doctor if a mild burn:
- is bigger than four inches
- If a burn becomes infected
- If a burn is dark or shiny red
- See a doctor if a burn develops several blisterings
Seek medical care if the burn is on any of the areas below of the body:
- major joint
- groin
- face
- hands
- feet
In case the burn is severe, people should get medical care immediately. A severe burn could be:
- painless
- is black, brown or white
- dry and leathery
