Buzz
Apple cider vinegar is often promoted as a natural solution for various skin problems. While generally safe, it can result in severe burns if exposed for too long or if it comes into contact with your eyes. It's also common to experience skin irritation. Promptly rinse off the vinegar and attend to minor burns at home. If there are signs of infection, it's advisable to seek medical attention as a precaution.
Steps
Rinsing Off the Vinegar
Remove any clothing or accessories contaminated with vinegar. Carefully remove any garments or jewelry near the affected area. Avoid pulling clothing over the burn to prevent further irritation.
Place the burnt area under cool running water for 20 minutes. Adjust the faucet to ensure a gentle flow of water rather than a strong one. Let the cool water rinse over the burnt skin to eliminate any vinegar residue and ease inflammation. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the burn while rinsing.
Flush your eyes with room-temperature water for 20 minutes. If vinegar enters your eyes, remove glasses or contact lenses. Blink your eyes under a gentle stream of room-temperature water for 20 minutes.
- If a child's eyes are affected, gently pour water over the bridge of their nose and encourage blinking. Then, flush their eyes for 20 minutes with room-temperature water in a tub, shower, or sink.
Avoid using milk or other fluids to rinse a burn. Stick to clean, fresh water for cleaning burns. Other fluids might exacerbate skin irritation instead of providing relief.
Providing Care for the Burn
Seek medical assistance for eye burns. Following a 20-minute rinse with room-temperature water, promptly seek medical attention at an emergency room or walk-in clinic. Eye burns, even after rinsing, can result in corneal damage, necessitating evaluation by a doctor.
Utilize aloe vera gel to soothe burns on your skin. Gently massage a small amount of aloe vera gel onto the burn using clean hands. Avoid using oil-based analgesic or antiseptic ointments like Neosporin or petroleum jelly, as they can retain heat and worsen the burn.
- Never apply aloe vera gel to your eyes.
Loosely wrap the affected area with sterilized gauze, if accessible. Check your first aid kit for clean, sterilized gauze. Wrap the burn loosely to shield it from potential friction during daily activities.
- Choose breathable bandages like gauze over latex bandages, which can trap moisture against the burn.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary. Employ non-prescription pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to alleviate any minor discomfort caused by the burn. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer. If pain persists, schedule a doctor's appointment instead of increasing painkiller dosage.
- Avoid combining these medications with alcohol, as it can strain your liver.
Monitor the burn for warmth, redness, or swelling. Keep an eye on the affected area in the days following the burn. If you observe any signs of potential infection, such as warmth, redness, pus, or swelling, seek medical advice.
Preventing Burns from Apple Cider Vinegar
Apply apple cider vinegar solely on intact skin. Refrain from using apple cider vinegar on broken or injured skin, as it can cause irritation and increase susceptibility to bacterial infections.
- If bacterial infections occur, your doctor can prescribe topical or oral antibiotics.
Avoid sensitive regions. Reduce the risk of skin irritation by refraining from applying vinegar to your face or genital area. Such application is likely to cause discomfort and compromise skin integrity, particularly around the eyes.
Discontinue apple cider vinegar use if you experience burning or irritation. If vinegar application causes stinging or inflammation, rinse your skin and discontinue use. There is no scientifically proven benefit of using vinegar topically. Consult a doctor for any skin-related concerns rather than relying on unverified home remedies.
Avoid prolonged exposure of the skin to apple cider vinegar. Do not leave apple cider vinegar on your skin for extended periods, particularly not under occlusive dressings like bandages. Prolonged contact with vinegar, especially under dressings, can lead to skin erosion and severe burns.
- Given individual variations in skin sensitivity to acids like vinegar, determining a safe exposure duration is challenging.
Useful Pointers
Important Notes
- While some individuals claim apple cider vinegar can alleviate skin problems or remove moles based on personal experiences, scientific evidence supporting these assertions is limited. It's advisable to opt for skincare products specifically formulated for skin concerns.
