Treating Minor Burns
Aromatherapy – treating minor burns
You never know when your child will have a mishap, may fall down, scrape their knee, or need an antiseptic. The importance of antiseptics and health is prevalent in our society. Every good mother understands the importance of carrying a first aid kit.
You can put together your own portable first aid antiseptic kit that will fit in your purse. It is the perfect remedy for treating cuts and wounds when you are out and about and may not have immediate access to soap, water, and other disinfectants. To make your own first aid kit, use antiseptic Lavender, Manuka, and Tea Tree. Tea Tree is one of the most powerful antiseptic herbs. It grows in Australia and is an excellent antiseptic antibiotic.
Aromatherapy – classification of burns
Burns are classified into three degrees of severity:
First-degree burns are usually limited to superficial redness (erythema) and swelling, a white plaque and minor pain at the site of injury.
Second-degree burns manifest as erythema with superficial swelling and blistering of the skin, and can involve more or less pain depending on the level of nerve involvement.
Third-degree burns occur when most of the epidermis is lost with damage to underlying ligaments, tendons and muscle. Burn victims will exhibit charring of the skin, and sometimes hard eschars will be present. These types of burns are often considered painless, because nerve endings have been destroyed in the burned area.
They can be caused by dry heat or moist heat (scalds) and are amongst the most common house hold injuries.
Burns can also be caused by contact with chemicals, radiation or electricity.
Aromatherapeutic Treatments – treating burns
Immediately hold the affected area under a cold tap for at least 10 minutes, then apply neat Lavender or Tea Tree to the burn. Reapply at least 3 times a day until the skin has healed.
For larger areas, especially if there is inflammation, apply an ice compress. Gently apply a lotion made from 8 to 10 drops each of Lavender and German Chamomile in a 50ml bottle of distilled water or Lavender water, shaken well. Shake the bottle before you use it every time.
Cover with a sterile gauze treated with a few drops of Lavender, Tea Tree or German Chamomile. Replace the dressing every few hours. Do not use adhesive plasters.
Aromatherapy Treatment – Cuts and Wounds
Small cuts, grazes and scratches are some of the most common injuries. If glass, rust, splinters or dirt are involved, special care should be taken to avoid secondary infection.
Aromatherapeutic Treatments – Cuts and Wounds
Firstly, cleanse the area with water, removing any dirt or fragments. Apply a few drops of neat Lavender or Chamomile. Apply 2 or 3 times a day.
Cover larger injuries with a sterile gauze semi-saturated with Lavender or Tea Tree oil. If the wound is slow to heal or weeping, include 2 or 3 drops of Myrhh.
Lavender and Tea Tree are the best first aid remedies to have in your cupboard due to their excellent anti septic and wound healing properties. They do not sting the exposed raw skin even when applied neat and they encourage a rich flow of blood to the damaged area. They also prevent scarring. Tea Tree is especially effective for septic conditions and dirty wounds.
Aromatherapy – Essential Oil Safety
Chamomile – can cause dermatitis in some people (use fewer drops if you have sensitive skin)
Tea Tree – possible sensitisation in some people
Myrrh – do not use during pregnancy, do not use in high concentrations
Aromatherapy Tip -the choice of Aromatherapy oils is huge, and Calendula cream or oil helps skin to heal and prevents scarring.
You should not drink any essential oils without first consulting a qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
You should not apply any undiluted essential oil, absolutes, CO2s or any other concentrated essences directly onto the surface of your skin.
You should only use essential oils when under the proper supervision of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner if you have a medical condition or you are pregnant or suffering from liver failure, cancer or epilepsy.
Always use a skin patch test when using an essential oil for the first time.
Children: you must exercise extreme care if using essential oils with children. Use only very small quantities and only gentle essential oils. You are strongly advised to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner prior to using essential oils with children.
Please refer to ‘Safety Guidelines’
© 2008 – 2010 – www.aromatherapyandessentialoils.us – treating minor burns
