Can you apply mustard for burns?
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Can you apply mustard for burns?” and provide information on how to treat burns, types of burns, when you need to consult a doctor regarding burns as well as the benefits of mustard.
Can you apply mustard for burns?
No, you should not apply mustard for burns. This is because there is no scientific evidence that mustard can help in curing burns. Mustard might actually cause your skin to burn. It can further worsen existing burns too.
Mustard has the capability to irritate the skin on application. You might feel your skin being warm after the application of mustard. However, this does not mean that it can cure your burns.
How can you treat burns?
You can treat burns by applying a cold compress to them. Make sure to cover burns to protect them from exposure to the sun. Doctors can recommend over-the-counter medications for mild burns.
If you suffer from burns, remove clothing, jewelry, or other accessories present around that area. Apply a bandage to the burnt area. There should be no adhesives present at the site of burns.
If there are blisters present around the area, do not break them. Clean the burnt site with soap and water. Dry them with a towel and then apply a bandage around the site.
You can place the burnt area under cool water for 10-15 minutes. This can help to relieve the burning sensation.
There are certain antibiotic ointments that can be applied to burnt areas. This can prevent infections from occurring in those areas and relieve pain. Make sure to consult a doctor before the application of this cream.
Aloe vera gel can be applied to burns to soothe them. It can prevent burns from drying out and aloe vera can induce moisture to burn.
What are the types of burns?
- First-degree burns are mild burns that do not require medical attention. It can last for 3-6 days. There are no blisters observed but skin peeling can be observed.
- Second-degree burns are partially deep burns. These burns might have blisters surrounding them. It can take approximately 3 weeks to heal.
- Third-degree burns are severe burns that can affect every layer of skin. It can penetrate the skin and might be white or brown in color. It can take many months to heal them. Besides, skin grafts should be required to heal them.
When should you consult a doctor?
You need to consult a doctor if burns occur in your body as a result of an electric shock. If the burn is more than 3 inches or appears infected, visit a doctor. If the burns are present in sensitive areas of the body like the face, hands, feet, or joints, visit a hospital.
What are some benefits of mustard?
Even though mustard does not relieve burns, there are other benefits of mustard which are stated below:
- Mustard is a good source of nutrients. The leaves of mustard can have calcium, vitamins A, C, K, and copper.
- Mustard is a rich source of antioxidants. These antioxidants contain beneficial compounds which can help in protection against a variety of diseases.
Mustard contains a compound called glucosinolates. These glucosinolates are activated when mustard is chewed or cut, it can stimulate antioxidant defenses of the body.
Isothiocyanates are compounds present in glucosinolates that can prevent cancer cells from spreading. Sinigrin is another compound that can have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties.
Mustard contains carotenoids, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin which can help in reducing heart diseases and diabetes.
- Certain studies have found an association between mustard and a reduction in glucose levels.
- Mustard seeds can reduce inflammation observed in psoriasis or other inflammatory disorders.
- The antioxidants present in mustard can protect against certain infectious diseases. It can provide protection against fungus and bacterial infections. However, more studies have to be conducted in this regard.
- Mustard oil can have antimicrobial properties. Mustard oil has multiple strains of bacteria. There have to be multiple test-tube studies that can be conducted to determine the effects of mustard oil.
- Mustard oil can be beneficial for skin and hair health.
What are some side effects of consuming mustard?
Consuming excess amounts of mustard can cause diarrhea, inflammation, and abdominal pain. There are rare cases of individuals developing dermatitis when it was applied to the skin.
Mustard seeds that are not cooked properly could contain goitrogens. This can be harmful to individuals suffering from hypothyroidism. To reduce goitrogens present in mustard seeds, soak and boil the seeds before cooking them.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “Can you apply mustard for burns?” and provided information on how to treat burns, types of burns, when you need to consult a doctor regarding burns as well as the benefits of mustard.
