Rug burns are first degree burns that occur due to friction / chafing / abrasion. The friction occurs from contact between the rug and the skin; and this produces some amount of heat. This heat causes damage to the tissue in the epidermis of the skin. Rug burns can be rather painful.
Home Remedies To Make Rug Burns Heal Faster
The following tips may help speed up healing time:
- Apply Aloe Vera to the rug burn. It keeps the area well moisturized and expedites healing.
- Do not pick at scabs. Scabs are a sign of healing; picking them results in unsightly scarring and protracted healing time.
- Take vitamin C and vitamin E supplements. Vitamin C perks up the working of the immune system and prevents bacteria from infiltrating the wound. Vitamin E facilitates dermis reconstruction and shortens the healing time.
- Air out the burn when needed. Frequently rug burns ooze during the process of healing. Do not rigorously wipe it away, this further irritates the area; let it air dry by itself.On the other hand, if the wound oozes blood or pus, you need to consult your doctor for a possible infection.
- Do not pop blisters. Popping blisters definitely invites bacteria to cause infections and greatly slow down the healing rate. In case the blisters pop unexpectedly, make sure that you wash the area well with plain water and soap, and apply an anti-biotic solution and cover with a gauze.
- Protect the rug burn from friction and pressure. Whilst the damaged skin is healing, it is more delicate and can easily be impaired by more pressure or friction. Always keep a gauze pad over the burn to stave off further trauma.
- Rug burns are exceedingly painful; hence if necessary you may take over-the-counter analgesics to manage the pain and discomfort.
- Make sure that you check the area once daily for any indication of worsening – redness, oozing or infection. A huge risk of a first degree burn is that bacteria tend to penetrate the breached skin, resulting in a painful and potentially dangerous infection. Signs of infection are – a worsening of the pain, expanding areas of redness and inflammation, and the appearance of pus or other liquid oozing. In such circumstances, you need immediate medical aid.
First Aid Treatment For Rug Burns
- Remove clothing and / or jewelry from the burned area. This makes it easier to access the burned tissue and prevents other materials from making any contact with the burn, which can aggravate the pain.
- Apply cool water over the rug burn for 5 minutes. Dip a washcloth in cold water and place over the burn. Cool water dissipates the heat from the friction, and prevents the burn from worsening. Never use ice water over the rug burn; ice water actually makes the burn worse.
- Then clean the burn with an anti-septic solution. This wards off bacteria from infecting the damaged tissue.
- Cover up the rug burn with a dry and sterile covering, like a gauze pad. It will protect the burned area and expedites the process of healing. Do not apply bandages with adhesive to the burn; this restricts flow of air to the burn, and consequently slows down the healing process.