Using Water Based Burn Gels to Treat Burns

If you are like most people you have burned yourself at one point or another in your life. If you weren't around water there is a good chance that you may have treated the burn with an oil, spray or cream.

While this may seem like a good idea, the truth is that oils, creams and ointments can trap the heat in and don't stop the burn from radiating.

Water based burn gels on the other hand - which are relatively new to the burn treatment market - are a great alternative for treating burns when you are not near water and are much more effective than most oils or creams. Let's take a look at why you might want to add a water based burn gel to your own first aid kit.

Water based burn products contain water in a gel-like form. When put on a burn it helps to dissipate the heat from the burn to keep it from further damaging your skin. At the same time, many of these gels come with a pain reliever in them so it can begin to ease the pain from the wound right away.

Unlike plain water which just runs over your skin, the gel-like form of these products allows them to stay on the burn without running off so they can provide the most cooling and soothing possible. Some burn gels can stay cool for as long as 2 hours at a time. Along with the cooling effect and the pain relief, these products can also help to prevent your burn from becoming infected.

Burn gels can be found in two basic forms - the gel by itself in bottles, or dressings that have been treated with the gel. Dressings come in a wide variety of sizes ranging from small 2"x2" pads up to full blown gel blankets that can treat larger burns. Many people report that the burn dressings provide longer lasting relief than using the gel on its own, although both are effective ways to treat burns.

Water based burn gels should be used on first and second degree burns, but are not for treating third degree burns or burns where the skin is open. They are a wonderful option for kitchen burns, most household burns, sunburns, curling iron burns and any other minor burn. They also make a great addition to a first aid kit when you are going camping or plan to be away from water.

Burn gels are easy to use, rinse off with water and can provide instant relief. They are a great and inexpensive addition to any first aid kit.