Burns and Sunburns
A burn is an injury to the skin that can be caused by several things, including heat, chemicals, radiation (such as sun exposure), and electricity. Most burns are minor — you've accidentally touched a hot stove or spent too much time in the sun — and can be treated at home.
Doctors classify burns according to the amount of damage they've caused. A first-degree burn affects just the top layer of skin (the epidermis) and is by far the most common type. A first-degree burn will be red and painful and will blanch (turn white) when you press on it. It may swell a bit and might peel within a day or two, and will probably heal within a week.
Your risk for sunburn depends on the time of day and year (sunburns are more likely on summer days, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.), your latitude and altitude (being closer to the equator and farther from sea level means more radiation), and what you're doing (skiing and swimming are done around water and snow, which reflect burning rays).
Second-degree burns affect more layers of skin. The skin will blister and be red and swollen, and will take a few weeks to heal. (These burns are more prone to infection, so you should probably see your health care provider.) Third-degree burns, the most severe, affect all layers of the skin and possibly other tissues as well, and take months to heal. These burns always require medical attention.
Sunburn is a type of radiation burn caused by UV, or ultraviolet, light. You can get one from a tanning bed or booth as well as from the real thing.
Most often, sunburns are minor (first-degree burns) that make you uncomfortable for a day or so. Occasionally, you can get a second-degree burn from sun exposure, meaning blistering, more pain, and a longer recovery time.
Conventional remedies for minor burns include topical anesthetics/ analgesics and oral pain relievers such as NSAIDs. Burns that might get infected are treated with topical antiseptics and antibiotics, which can inhibit healing and cause skin reactions. Here are some herbal alternatives:
• Aloe (Aloe vera) |
The gel from this cactus-like plant is legendary as a burn remedy. Research shows it improves circulation in superficial blood vessels, inhibits inflammation, and promotes tissue repair. |
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) |
Calendula, a.k.a. the marigold, has both astringent and anti-inflammatory properties and is another classic burn remedy. Studies show it also has antiedemic, analgesic, and wound-healing properties. |
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) |
The essential oil of lavender is a gentle anesthetic and anti-inflammatory with real skin-healing powers. Research shows it can relieve swelling and pain in minor burns. |
• Saint John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
Saint John's wort is used topically to treat burns and other superficial skin injuries. It possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory constituents, and research shows it can modulate the immune response to burn injury in order to speed healing. (Ironically, taking Saint John's wort orally can increase your susceptibility to sunburn, so be sure to use sunblock.) |
• Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) |
Witch hazel is a cooling, soothing remedy for burns (and all types of cuts, scrapes, and other skin injuries). Research shows it can reduce skin inflammation in sunburned people. It also works as a styptic (it stops bleeding). |
