Tips for helping a burn heal

If you suffer a serious burn on the job, get medical treatment quickly. Do not simply try to treat it yourself. You need to have a doctor analyze it and tell you about the best course of action for complete healing. You also need documentation of the injury and your treatment for the sake of workers’ compensation.

That said, there are things you can do to promote healing after the fact. A few helpful examples include:

• Using an antibiotic ointment on the area to reduce the odds of infection and scarring.
• Putting a cool compress on the burn and/or running it under cold water to reduce swelling and pain.
• Using aloe vera, the same plant often used after a sunburn, to promote healing and soothe the pain.
• Refraining from popping any blisters or peeling away the skin. You want to wrap the burn and allow it to heal naturally.
• Using pain relievers that also help to reduce swelling.
• Continuing treatment with your doctor and meeting with medical professionals to see if more steps are needed.

To a large degree, healing simply takes time, and what you do at home is more about managing the pain and giving yourself time to heal. You do want to protect the injury, get enough sleep, make sure you have a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. The healthier you are, the more energy your body can put into healing.

Burn injuries can be incredibly painful and may leave you with permanent ramifications, like facial scars. Make sure you know all of the rights you have to compensation during this time.