Burns can result from contact with a hot surface, fire, electricity or prolonged exposure to sun. It's crucial to consider the severity of the burn.
- 1st degree burns show redness of skin and pain.
- 2nd degree burns have redness, pain and blistering.
- 3rd degree burns have all the layers of the skin burnt. Because the nerve endings are also destroyed, this is sometimes much less painful than more minor burns.
For more minor burns, including sunburn, give an initial dose of Arnica, followed every 15 minutes by Urtica Urens. If the Urtica doesn't help bring down the pain and inflammation within a half hour, you can switch to Cantharis. Electrical burns respond well to an initial dose of Phosphorus.
Finally, if there are no breaks in the skin, and after the surface has been cleaned and cooled with cold water, you may apply Calendula lotion directly on the site of the burn. It's soothing and is known to promote healing of skin. This can be applied several times daily even into the period of scar tissue and fresh skin formation.