What to do when faced with burns, bites and rashes (healthcare urgency)

It is always helpful to have first hand information on how to effectively treat problems like burns, rashes and bites when they suddenly occur. However, there may be some cases when home remedies do not come to the rescue and it is necessary to get immediate medical treatment.

Following are some sure-shot methods to treat these conditions so that the patient can recover swiftly and appropriately.

What are the treatment options for a burn?

There are three 'degrees' of burns that one should know.

First degree burn is only impacts the topmost layer of the skin. In a first degree burn, the skin will probably turn pink in the affected area and there can be formation of blister over there. For the treatment, creams containing aloe or antibiotics can help minimise the burning sensation and make it heal faster.

Second degree burn is occurs between the first and second layer of the skin. In a second degree burn, the skin will turn shiny and red in the affected area.

Third degree burn is the worst and there are instances when the skin is completely burnt off and the bone is visible.

In second and third degree burns especially, it is very important to urgent professional assistance so that it can be treated properly.

What are the treatment options for a bite?

Sadly, there are no home remedies for a bite. If someone has been bitten by a snake, an insect or an animal, it is quintessential t get medical help urgently. For any kind of bite that leads to an unusual inflammation or if the skin is slightly ripped off, you should get it checked immediately so that any poison doesn't spread to other parts of the body.

What are the treatment options for a rash?

Rashes primarily occur because of factors such as dust, pollen, moulds etc. If any of these irritants come in contact with the skin, the skin may start to itch and a rash may appear. Rashes may occur only once or they may reappear periodically. If you suspect the reason behind the rash is an allergy, it is best to visit an allergy specialist so that an anti-allergen can be administered. If it is a minute rash then you can try home remedies by first discarding the irritant and then using prescribed ointments on the rash to rectify the itching.