Burns And Scalds
A burn is damage to your body's tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or radiation. Scalds from hot liquids and steam, building fires and flammable liquids and gases are the most common causes of burns. Another kind is an inhalation injury, caused by breathing smoke.
There are three types of burns:
- First-degree burns damage only the outer layer of skin
- Second-degree burns damage the outer layer and the layer underneath
- Third-degree burns damage or destroy the deepest layer of skin and tissues underneath
Burns can cause swelling, blistering, scarring and, in serious cases, shock, and even death. They also can lead to infections because they damage your skin's protective barrier. Treatment for burns depends on the cause of the burn, how deep it is, and how much of the body it covers. Antibiotic creams can prevent or treat infections. For more serious burns, treatment may be needed to clean the wound, replace the skin, and make sure the patient has enough fluids and nutrition.
NIH: National Institute of General Medical Sciences
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Burns And Scalds
ACACIAACACI
The dried gummy exudate of Acacia Senegal, Willdenow; and of some other African species of Acacia. (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae.) Eastern Africa... / ...to relieve the sense of hunger when but little food can be taken. Mucilage of acacia is soothing to burns and scalds of the mouth and alimentary canal, and may be used as a demulcent after poisoning b...1
The dried gummy exudate of Acacia Senegal, Willdenow; and of some other African species of Acacia. (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae.) Eastern Africa... / ...to relieve the sense of hunger when but little food can be taken. Mucilage of acacia is soothing to burns and scalds of the mouth and alimentary canal, and may be used as a demulcent after poisoning b...1
CALAMUSACCA4
The rhizome of Acorus Calamus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Acoraceae). Common in wet and muddy grounds everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Dose, 5 to 40... / ... promote reconstruction or to reduce tumefaction and discharges, as indicated, in abscess cavities, burns and scalds (to lessen scarring), acne, ulcerative skin diseases, vaginitis, cervicitis, endome... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
The rhizome of Acorus Calamus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Acoraceae). Common in wet and muddy grounds everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Dose, 5 to 40... / ... promote reconstruction or to reduce tumefaction and discharges, as indicated, in abscess cavities, burns and scalds (to lessen scarring), acne, ulcerative skin diseases, vaginitis, cervicitis, endome... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
CALENDULA
The florets of Calendula officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Southern Europe and the Orient; largely cultivated as a garden flower. Dose,... / ... promote reconstruction or to reduce tumefaction and discharges, as indicated, in abscess cavities, burns and scalds (to lessen scarring), acne, ulcerative skin diseases, vaginitis, cervicitis, endome... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
The florets of Calendula officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Southern Europe and the Orient; largely cultivated as a garden flower. Dose,... / ... promote reconstruction or to reduce tumefaction and discharges, as indicated, in abscess cavities, burns and scalds (to lessen scarring), acne, ulcerative skin diseases, vaginitis, cervicitis, endome... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
FARINA TRITICI
The sifted flour of the grain of Triticum sativum, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. Graminaceae). Common Names: Wheat Flour, Common Flour. Principal... / ...rfaces, as in urticaria, erysipelas, sunburn, and mixed with molasses promptly relieves the pain in burns and scalds. Infusion of bran is a useful emollient for rough skin, and assists in removing the... / ...fruits or baked in a biscuit or cake, is a common mechanical laxative for habitual constipation, often proving more effective than medicines.1
The sifted flour of the grain of Triticum sativum, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. Graminaceae). Common Names: Wheat Flour, Common Flour. Principal... / ...rfaces, as in urticaria, erysipelas, sunburn, and mixed with molasses promptly relieves the pain in burns and scalds. Infusion of bran is a useful emollient for rough skin, and assists in removing the... / ...fruits or baked in a biscuit or cake, is a common mechanical laxative for habitual constipation, often proving more effective than medicines.1
GOSSYPIUM
The bark of the root and the hairs of the seed of Gossypium herbaceum, Linné, and of other species of Gossypium (Nat. Ord. Malvaceae). An Asiatic... / ...surgical practice for sponging and dressings, to take up secretions, to protect painful surfaces in burns and scalds, and to prevent the ingress of atmospheric microbic invasion. It is a comforting ap...1
The bark of the root and the hairs of the seed of Gossypium herbaceum, Linné, and of other species of Gossypium (Nat. Ord. Malvaceae). An Asiatic... / ...surgical practice for sponging and dressings, to take up secretions, to protect painful surfaces in burns and scalds, and to prevent the ingress of atmospheric microbic invasion. It is a comforting ap...1
HAMAMELIS
The leaves, bark and twigs of Hamamelis virginiana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Hamamelidaceae), collected in the autumn. Common in the United States.... / ...n, with but two drachms of the echafolta, or the distillate with menthol, makes a good dressing for burns and scalds. Glycerin and hamamelis, equal parts, or equal parts of Specific Medicine Hamamelis...1
The leaves, bark and twigs of Hamamelis virginiana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Hamamelidaceae), collected in the autumn. Common in the United States.... / ...n, with but two drachms of the echafolta, or the distillate with menthol, makes a good dressing for burns and scalds. Glycerin and hamamelis, equal parts, or equal parts of Specific Medicine Hamamelis...1
LINUM
The ripe seeds of Linum usitatissimum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Linaceae). Levant and southern Europe; cultivated. Common Names: Flaxseed,... / ...e in mind. Equal parts of linseed oil and lime water form Carron Oil, the best primary dressing for burns and scalds. Linseed meal added to the wash water will assist in removing the odor of iodoform ... / ...given in daily repeated doses of 1 to 2 ounces. Linseed oil may be given freely in poisoning by alkalies, when other bland oils are not at hand.1
The ripe seeds of Linum usitatissimum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Linaceae). Levant and southern Europe; cultivated. Common Names: Flaxseed,... / ...e in mind. Equal parts of linseed oil and lime water form Carron Oil, the best primary dressing for burns and scalds. Linseed meal added to the wash water will assist in removing the odor of iodoform ... / ...given in daily repeated doses of 1 to 2 ounces. Linseed oil may be given freely in poisoning by alkalies, when other bland oils are not at hand.1
MENTHA PIPERITA
The leaves and tops of Mentha piperita, Smith (Mentha X piperita L.) (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Europe and the United States. Dose, 60 to 120... / ...ermint owes most of its virtues. Still it is used largely to relieve local pain, especially that of burns and scalds. Internal. Peppermint infusion is a very grateful agent to allay nausea and vomitin... / ...of peppermint and alcohol, equal parts, frequently eases the pain of tonsillitis and gives relief in the cough of acute bronchitis and pneumonia.1
The leaves and tops of Mentha piperita, Smith (Mentha X piperita L.) (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Europe and the United States. Dose, 60 to 120... / ...ermint owes most of its virtues. Still it is used largely to relieve local pain, especially that of burns and scalds. Internal. Peppermint infusion is a very grateful agent to allay nausea and vomitin... / ...of peppermint and alcohol, equal parts, frequently eases the pain of tonsillitis and gives relief in the cough of acute bronchitis and pneumonia.1
MENTHOL
Menthol. A secondary alcohol obtained from the oil of Mentha piperita, Linné, or from other oils of mints. It should be kept in well-stoppered... / ...ni, eczema, ringworm, or herpes zoster. For pain and cellular inflammations it is very effectual in burns and scalds, insect bites and stings, earache, neuralgia, boils, carbuncles, and the surface pa... / ...is sometimes of value in hiccough. It should not be used in large doses internally because of the profound nervous disturbances it may occasion.1
Menthol. A secondary alcohol obtained from the oil of Mentha piperita, Linné, or from other oils of mints. It should be kept in well-stoppered... / ...ni, eczema, ringworm, or herpes zoster. For pain and cellular inflammations it is very effectual in burns and scalds, insect bites and stings, earache, neuralgia, boils, carbuncles, and the surface pa... / ...is sometimes of value in hiccough. It should not be used in large doses internally because of the profound nervous disturbances it may occasion.1
OLEUM OLIVAE
Olive Oil, Sweet Oil. A fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of Olea europaea, Linné (Nat. Ord. Oleaceae). The olive tree of Asia and southern... / ...er. It deprives the insects of oxygen, thus causing their death. Olive oil is sometimes applied to burns and scalds, but is less valuable than lime liniment (Carron Oil). Applied warm it gives relief... / ...however, be given in either phosphorus or cantharides poisoning, as the activity of these substances through oil solution is decidedly increased.1
Olive Oil, Sweet Oil. A fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of Olea europaea, Linné (Nat. Ord. Oleaceae). The olive tree of Asia and southern... / ...er. It deprives the insects of oxygen, thus causing their death. Olive oil is sometimes applied to burns and scalds, but is less valuable than lime liniment (Carron Oil). Applied warm it gives relief... / ...however, be given in either phosphorus or cantharides poisoning, as the activity of these substances through oil solution is decidedly increased.1
OLEUM TEREBINTHINAE RECTIFICATUM
Rectified Oil of Turpentine, Rectified Turpentine Oil. Description.A thin colorless liquid corresponding to the properties described under Oleum... / ...te repair in sluggish ulcers and bed sores. Combined with linseed oil it has been advised for small burns and scalds, but as this method is painful and absorption great it is not to be commended. Lini...1
Rectified Oil of Turpentine, Rectified Turpentine Oil. Description.A thin colorless liquid corresponding to the properties described under Oleum... / ...te repair in sluggish ulcers and bed sores. Combined with linseed oil it has been advised for small burns and scalds, but as this method is painful and absorption great it is not to be commended. Lini...1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Burns And Scalds
SODIUM BICARBONATE (Baking Soda)
Antacid, much used to correct acidity of the stomach and in treatment of rheumatism and lithiasis; is often of benefit in glycosuria. Locally applied it gives relief in burns and scalds and in acute articular rheumatism. Often advantageously combined with sodium chloride t‘o relieve distress in dyspepsia. Aids notably the action of calomel as a cholagogue. Dose as antacid, 0.60 to 2.0 Grm. (10 to 30 grs.).2
Antacid, much used to correct acidity of the stomach and in treatment of rheumatism and lithiasis; is often of benefit in glycosuria. Locally applied it gives relief in burns and scalds and in acute articular rheumatism. Often advantageously combined with sodium chloride t‘o relieve distress in dyspepsia. Aids notably the action of calomel as a cholagogue. Dose as antacid, 0.60 to 2.0 Grm. (10 to 30 grs.).2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Burns And Scalds
BURNS AND SCALDS
For shock, stimulants, especially Elixir Digitalin Compound: hypodermatic injections morphine and atropine. Among the best local remedies are carron oil (linseed oil and lime-water, equal parts, to which may be added 5 per cent. of carbolic acid), solution picric acid (picric acid, 37 grs.; alcohol, 1% fl. ozs.; water, (1. s. to make one pint), creosote water (to relieve pain); in less severe burns, carbolated oil (15 grs. to fl. oz.), Alkal-antiseptine, sodium carbonate in aqueous solution.2
For shock, stimulants, especially Elixir Digitalin Compound: hypodermatic injections morphine and atropine. Among the best local remedies are carron oil (linseed oil and lime-water, equal parts, to which may be added 5 per cent. of carbolic acid), solution picric acid (picric acid, 37 grs.; alcohol, 1% fl. ozs.; water, (1. s. to make one pint), creosote water (to relieve pain); in less severe burns, carbolated oil (15 grs. to fl. oz.), Alkal-antiseptine, sodium carbonate in aqueous solution.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.