Burns,
Stings and Poison Ivey
Burns
Three
classifications for burns exist:
First
Degree- This burn affects the outer layer of the skin,
causing redness and sensitivity to the touch. Most cases of
sunburn are considered first degree burns.
Second
Degree- This type of burn extends to the underlying
skin layers. Often characterized by redness, blistering, and
acute pain.
Third
Degree- In third degree burns the entire skin and possible
underlying tissue, such as muscle, are destroyed. The skin may
be red, white or yellowish and in some cases may be black with
the burn. There is usually little or no pain as all the nerve
endings have been severely damaged or destroyed.
If
you receive a first or second-degree burn immediately hold the
burn under cold running water. You can use water to stop the
burning sensation but it will take some time. The oil of Lavender
is of great use as placing a few drop on the burn usually stop
the burning sensation right away.
Lavender also has some anti bacteria properties and may
stop secondary infections on second-degree burns whose blisters
have opened.
The
use of aloe
gel or aloe
juice on burns can also help stop the burning sensation
in the skin.
In
cases involving third degree burns you should have a medical
professional look at it right away. Do not put cold water on
third degree burns. If clothing has become stuck to third degree
burns do not remove. Once first aid has been administered there
are many nutrients that can be taken for healing.
Very
Important Nutrients
Colloidal
silver – a natural antibiotic that can be applied
topically. May be mixed with aloe juice or gel this is a great
way to apply colloidal silver. For third degree burns mist colloidal
silver every few hours on the burn. This will help reduce infections
and help with scaring.
Free
form amino acids – Taken as directed by a healthcare
professional or as directed on bottle. Amino acids are needed
to rebuild tissue damaged by burns.
Potassium-
100 mg per day. Potassium is needed to replace potassium lost
from burns.
Vitamin
A – depending on severity of burn you should take
anywhere from 100,000 I.U to 25,000 I.U. per day until burn
has healed. Vitamin A is needed to repair burn tissue and reduce
scaring.
Vitamin
B complex- take as directed on label or by healthcare professional.
B complex vitamins are very important in healing skin tissue.
Vitamin
B-12 – 1000mcg twice daily. Needed for protein synthesis
and cell formation. A sublingual form or nasal gel is best.
Vitamin
E - Start with 600 IU then slowly move up to 1,600IU daily
until burn has healed. Also opening up the soft gel and applying
the oil directly to the burn to help prevent scar tissue.
Vitamin
C – 10,000 mg immediately after burn, 2000mg three
times daily there after until burn has healed. Acts as an antioxidant.
Essential for formation of collagen, and promotes the healing
of burns.
Zinc
– 30mg 3 times daily. Needed for healing tissue.
Stings
There
are many types of stings that occur in the US each year. Most
stings are from bees but other insects such as wasps, hornets,
yellow jackets, spiders and ants can occur. Insect stings often
inject venom into the victim. This venom can have mild to sever
affects depending on the person. Some people are very allergic
to stings and require immediate medical assistance. Some symptoms
are; shock, closing of the airways, trouble breathing, severe
swelling, and difficulty swallowing. These sever symptoms can
come on very quickly so stay alert.
If
no server or immediate life threatening symptoms are present
then you will need to remove the stinger if it is still in the
skin. To remove the stinger do not pull on it with fingernails
or tweezers. Scrap the stinger out with a sterile knife or surgical
blade. If the venom sac is still attached to the stinger do
not squeeze it as more venom may be injected into the skin.
Once
the stinger is removed wash with water. Placing papaya enzymes
on the sting will help to neutralize the venom. Charcoal powder
may also be used to pull out venom. Also oil of Lavender
may be used to stop the pain. A poultice made from comfrey,
slippery elm, and white oak bark may be used to help with pain.
Lobelia may also be used as a poultice.
Taking
large doses of Vitamin
C has been known to reduce the severity of bee stings. When
yellow jackets are killed or squashed their body releases a
chemical that causes other yellow jacket to attack. Leave the
area at once and avoid swatting at yellow jackets.
Poison Ivy/Poison Oak/ Poison Sumac
These
three plants are probably the most common allergic plants in
the US. These plants are found in every state except Alaska.
These plants are common along roadsides, forests, and even suburban
back yards. These plants usually grow in rich soil.
These
plants produce a sap that causes reaction in 65% of the people
who come in contact with it. The sap contains the oil of Urushiol
and is very poisonous in it pure form. The sap in poison ivy/oak/sumac
are in high concentration in the spring, summer and fall. Even
dried plants can infect and cause problems. All parts of the
plant are considered poisonous. Do not burn poison ivy/oak/sumac
as the smoke can enter the lungs and cause severe problems.
Animal
can also be a source of infection as they may have rubbed against
it in the wild then you pet them not knowing. Also garden gloves
and other clothing that have come into contact with these plants
can carry the sap and oil for years into the future. Be careful
and cautious around clothing or animal that have had contact
with the plant.
The
first symptoms of poison ivy are burning and itching sensation.
This is often followed by sever itching along with red rash
with oozing blisters. Symptoms can appear anywhere on the skin
including the eyes and mouth. The affected areas tend to be
clumped together. Scratching the rash can cause it to spread,
as the poisons in the oils are still active.
Vitamin
C – is very important to take. Take 3,000 to 8,000mg
per day. This helps prevent spreading.
Chickweed
tea- drink three to five cups of chickweed tea daily. Chickweed
may also be made into a poultice and applied directly to the
rash.
Aloe
juice- or aloe vera is very affective at reducing itching
and swelling associated with poison ivy. Apply liberally.
A
strong tea made of equal parts limewater, and white oak bark
is very good for poison ivy. Apply a wet compress and reapply
a brand new one when the old one becomes dry.
In
sever cases you should seek the help of a medical professional.
