BURNS
Posted by: Fortun in: Fortuns Urban Gardening > Guide to Medicinal PlantsBURNS
Among the many accidents that occur in children, burns are the most frequent and frightening.
Among the common causes of burns are:
- Scalds from liquids which may be due to spillage from hot teas, coffee, soup or hot liquid on the stove.
- Burns from fire or heat which result from playing with matches which are irresistible attractions to children or when fire breaks out due to an adult’s carelessness or a child’s mischief.
- Electrical burns
Burns could be prevented through the following measures:
- Do not allow children to play near any source of fire. Teach children the danger of playing with fire.
- Keep matches away from children.
- Keep children away from the cooking area to make sure that pots and pans are beyond their reach.
- Take the necessary precautions when dealing with occupations that involve the use of fire.
Treatment:
First aid care of burns is meant to prevent shock and to control pain.
A quick estimate of the body surface is a guide for action:
– all of one leg - 18%
– all of one arm and head - 18%
– front of the truck - 18%
– back of the trucnk - 18%
A person with 25% of the body surface burned can develop “burn shock” and may die unless he receives immediate first aid. In “burn shock”, the liquid part of the blood goes to the burned area. There may not be enough blood volume to keep the brain, heart, and other organs functioning normally.
- Superficial burns
With superficial burns, the upper layer of the skin is burned with redness, swelling and pain but without formation of blisters. The skin is not broken. Place affected area immeidately in cold water or apply cold compress to relieve the pain. Do not apply pomade, cooking oil or coconut oil.
- Burns with blister formation
If a blister forms, do nto drain. If the blister bursts, take off adjoining skin and clean with soap and water. A suggested medicinal plant may then be applied.
It would be better to leave the burned area exposed to the air. Avoid contamination by insects and flies. Never smear or grease.
If the wound cannot be kept clean, cover the burned area with a clean pad or cloth with Vaseline. If there are signs of infection such as pus formation, foul smell, fever and swollen lymph nodes, consult a physician.
- Deep or extensive burns
If the burn is severe with gaping flesh or bones, or a big body surface is burned, call a physician immeidately or bring to the nearest hospital or clinic. While awaiting medical attention, follow the tips listed above. Wrap the burned area with a clean cloth or towel.
Comfort and reassure the patient because those suffering from severe burn can experience shock. Give aspirin to reduce pain and plenty of liquid to drink.
MEDICINAL PLANT FOR SUPERFICIAL BURNS
Plant material:
GUMAMELA flower buds, OREGANO leaves
Preparation:
Use only one of the plant materials listed. Express the juice from enough fresh plant material.
Direction for use:
Apply the juice on the affected parts. Do this 2 times a day. Maintain cleanliness during the entire procedure.
Plant material:
SABILA leaves
Preparation:
Cut off a fresh savila eaf. Extract or collect sufficient juice to cover the affected part. The remaining juice can be extracted when needed.
Direction for use:
Apply the juice on the affected parts. Wash of the sabila juice after 15 minutes.
Do this 2 times a day. Maintain cleanliness during the entire procedure.
