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Burn from celandine

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
 
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Clever Romans considered the celestial unique gift of heaven and highly appreciated its healing properties. After all, it helps to get rid of diseases of the skin, muscles, joints, other organs. But the plant is poisonous and can be insidious. With careless handling, there is a burn from the celandine, which is accompanied by pain and which has to be treated.

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Epidemiology

Burn injuries are a global problem, because it is the most common in the world; according to international medical statistics, only road accidents lead to more deaths than all kinds of burns.

Chemical damage, which includes burns with plant poisons, is 2.5 to 5.1 percent in the overall structure of this type of injury. Separate statistics on burns from celandine in open sources were not found. Most of these cases are local in nature and do not constitute a threat to the life of the victim.

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Causes of the burn from celandine

The celandine contains ethers (alkaloids) that can cause poisoning, burns, severe allergies, painful rashes. A poisonous plant entirely, and especially dangerous juice ("milk" of a yellowish-orange color).

The burning properties are inherent in tincture of celandine. In this regard, there are two main causes of burn from celandine:

  • accidental burn occurs due to contact with grass - during rest or work in places where celandine grows;
  • juice or chemist's drug is fired when self-medicated.

Preparations based on celandine are used to eliminate warts, papillomas and other neoplasms. Burn from tincture is possible if improper treatment: non-compliance with the recommended concentration or time of drug application.

As practice shows, burns are most often affected by skin and eyes. Damage to the organ of vision is much more dangerous and requires qualified help from an ophthalmologist.

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Risk factors

According to statistics, there are such risk factors:

  • Sex of the person

As practice shows, the female sex is more often at risk of getting a burn from the celandine, which is understandable: after all, women, caring about appearance, are ready to get rid of its shortcomings in all available ways.

  • Age

Children are more prone to risk: they may be injured on a walk or using a medicine celandine for other purposes.

  • Socio-economic factor

People with low incomes are more likely to self-medicate, use inexpensive medications and methods.

  • Sun rays

Burns from celandine are aggravated under the influence of sunlight, so when using them it is necessary to hide the skin under light clothing.

  • Careless handling of medicinal plants and preparations

This factor is typical for people who abuse alcohol and lead an antisocial lifestyle.

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Pathogenesis

Burns trigger a flow of neuromuscular impulses, as a result of which the CNS activity and the disruption of the operation of the vasomotor and respiratory centers fail. This leads to a decrease in vascular tone, impaired permeability of small vessels, blood thickening, hypoproteinemia, hypochloremia. Appears edema.

Further denatured proteins are absorbed back into the blood, causing intoxication. Further accumulation of microflora and suppuration provoke a violation of all types of metabolism; the body develops hypoproteinemia, azotemia, hyperkalemia. At later stages bone tissues, lungs are affected, dystrophic processes develop in the parenchymal organs.

  • Burns from celandine usually are not extensive. Such damage, not exceeding the area of ten percent of the body, causes local reactions: pain, fever, headache, leukocytosis, general weakness.

If 30 or more percent of the skin is affected, then a burn disease develops.

It should be noted that the superficial injury is accompanied by burning pain, while with deep injuries the nerve endings die and the person does not feel pain. Damage of the first degree is completed by sloughing off dead epithelial cells.

For the second degree, bubbles formed immediately or after a while are characteristic. Transparent contents of the blisters become turbid from the filaments of fibrin, and becomes purulent during secondary infection. The process is completed either by regeneration of the epidermal layer, without scarring, or by the formation of a scar caused by the granulation tissue.

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Symptoms of the burn from celandine

The alkaloids of celandine are very toxic and when ingested they can kill a person. At the same time, the medicinal properties of the plant are widely used for the manufacture of external medicines, useful, including for the removal of cutaneous neoplasms (warts, papillomas).

With the proper treatment of the skin, the juice acts gently, without causing pain or any unpleasant sensations. This application is shown even to children and pregnant women.

Injuries occur with careless application, an overdose of juice or alcohol tincture when treating a wart or papilloma.

Symptoms of skin trauma:

  • irritation,
  • itching,
  • burning,
  • edema,
  • redness,
  • discomfort.

If the skin is damaged, the procedure should be abandoned and the area treated with a healing ointment.

Especially dangerous are burns from the celandine eye. The treatment of such trauma, after the provision of first aid, is usually performed in the hospital - in view of the great threat to the organs of vision: the poison provokes conjunctivitis, swelling and even loss of vision, which may be temporary or permanent.

Overdose of oral intake causes inflammation of the digestive system, a decrease in pressure. It is manifested by thirst, heaviness in the stomach and head, vomiting and diarrhea, deterioration of the condition, down to loss of consciousness. Such a symptomatology requires urgent hospitalization, and before the arrival of an ambulance it is desirable to drink several tablets of activated charcoal and a lot of water to induce vomiting.

First signs

A burn is a skin injury caused by a variety of factors: high temperature, electrical or radiation exposure, chemical reagents, poisons.

Injuries are divided into two groups: superficial and deep. The first can heal independently, without the formation of scars. The latter are unable to fully heal.

The first signs of a burn from a celandine mild: severe pain, congestion, swelling.

Classify four degrees of burn injury.

  • The first is the easiest. The upper epithelial layers are affected. Hyperemia and edema disappear without a trace for several days.
  • The second is diagnosed when the cornified epithelium is damaged to the growth layer. A characteristic feature - blisters are formed, filled with exudate. The healing lasts one and a half to two weeks.
  • At the third degree, the damage extends to all layers of the epidermis and dermis. Large blisters appear, inclined to joint. The liquid inside them is serous-hemorrhagic.
  • The fourth stage is characterized by death of tissues, charring of muscles, bone tissue, subcutaneous fat.

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Burn from celandine on the face

Burn from celandine on the face is easy and simple. After all, many struggle with skin defects primarily on the face, neck, hands, that is, on open areas of the body. If careless handling of pure juice or a preparation usually causes a surface burn from the celandine, which is manifested by flushing, pain, and burning.

To treat a shallow burn on the front, it is best to use a potato compress. Crude potatoes must be ground on the smallest grater, add a little honey to the mushy substance and apply to the affected area. Apply mass several times a day.

In emergency cases, the use of potato starch is allowed. It is diluted with water at room temperature to the consistency of the paste and applied a thin layer. The procedure is repeated several times a day.

  • In case of an overdose of celandine, used to eliminate tumors, the deeper layers are damaged. The burned zone is allocated on the body with inflamed dots of bloody color; The wounds gradually regenerate and turn into healthy, but sometimes spotty areas remain, on which the alignment of color occurs rather slowly.

After providing first aid (washing with water, treating with soap or soda solution, cooling with ice), apply a bandage with ointment, for example zinc, to the damaged area. It will dry the burns, speed up the renewal of the epidermis. Further treatment should be continued according to medical recommendations.

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Stages

Burns from celandine are referred to as chemical species. The depth of the lesion depends on the concentration of the substance and the duration of contact with the skin or mucous membrane.

There are four stages of development of the burn process:

  • shock (from several hours to 2 - 3 days);
  • toxemia (up to a half to two weeks);
  • septicotoxemia (up to a month or more);
  • convalescence (recovery).

Shock when burned by poisonous plants is accompanied by pain, acceleration of the heart beat, chills, lowering blood pressure.

The second stage is characterized by fever, decreased appetite, weakness, vomiting, thirst.

Septicotoxemia is the aggravation of a burn by an infection that is fraught with the exhaustion and death of the patient. This development is possible with deep burns of the third degree.

With proper treatment, wounds heal, the body is fully restored and normalizes activity. This stage is called convalescence.

Poisonous plants usually cause only superficial lesions of the skin.

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A shallow burn from celandine

A shallow burn from celandine can be formed due to cauterization with poisonous juice of papilloma or warts. After falling off the dead tumor, a red spot remains on the skin, which usually does not disappear for a long time. To accelerate the healing of the wound and remove the scar, ointment counter-tobacco.

A good effect is obtained when using celandine for the treatment of abscesses, boils, herpes, scabies, dry corns.

In case of inaccurate application of the preparation, healthy tissues around the neoplasm may suffer. There is local redness, burning and itching, soreness. The general lesion zone is enlarged, and it should also be treated with ointments that heal wounds.

If the burn from the celandine is superficial and small in area, then after washing the affected area it is enough to impose a sterile bandage. Such burns soon heal.

When the eye burns lightly, pain is felt, redness, swelling of the eyelids, blurred vision. The eye feels irritation, reflexively closes, swims with tears.

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Forms

Kinds of burn traumas are divided depending on traumatic factors (on thermal, electric, chemical, solar, beam). Burns from celandine are referred to as chemical species. Most often affected by skin, eyes, mucous membranes of the digestive tract.

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Complications and consequences

The consequences and complications depend on the severity of the lesion, localization. Burns from celandine of the first degree heal without complications. Consequences of a local nature can manifest long unhealed wounds, red spots. Extensive third degree burns can be life threatening.

To prevent undesirable consequences, celandine and its preparations are contraindicated in the following categories:

  • pregnant and lactating mothers;
  • patients with epilepsy, angina pectoris;
  • patients with mental disorders;
  • children under 3 years.

For the same purpose, it is not recommended to overdose the substance. When removing skin defects, fresh juice or tincture drips point-by-point, aimed at neoplasms, avoiding application to healthy skin.

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Diagnostics of the burn from celandine

The main thing in diagnostics is to determine the depth and area of the burn. Practical value in the therapy of burn injuries is precisely these indicators, not so much the size of the damage, but relative to the total area of the skin. To determine this indicator, there are special methods: "rule of the palm", "rule of nine", the Postnikov method.

Diagnosis of burns from celandine is made on the basis of:

  • anamnesis;
  • clinical indicators;
  • inspection.

The data obtained make it possible to assume the complexity of the trauma and to choose a treatment plan. The localization of the burn is also important.

If the organs of vision are damaged, then special methods are added to these methods in hospital conditions:

  • determination of intraocular pressure and visual acuity;
  • ophthalmoscopy;
  • biomicroscopy.

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What do need to examine?

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of burns from celandine is carried out in order to determine the degree of damage. To distinguish the degree IIIa from IIIb, use special dyes and enzymes, determine the violation of sensitivity and blood circulation in places of burns.

The most accessible is the method of pain sensitivity, which in the first case is reduced, and in the second there is no method at all. Apply in several ways:

  • prick with a needle;
  • wound treatment with alcohol;
  • pulling out the hairs (with a superficial injury, pain is felt, the hairs are not pulled out, and with a deep injury they are removed easily and painlessly).

The state of circulation is easiest to check by pressing. There are three zones:

  • hyperemia;
  • Stasis;
  • complete absence of blood circulation.

Changes in the first zone are reversible. In the second, options are possible: either renewal or necrosis. The last zone is irretrievably lost tissue.

Who to contact?

Treatment of the burn from celandine

Treatment for burns from celandine should be started with first aid, which will help minimize the consequences of chemical damage.

  • The burned area should be washed with lukewarm running water and treated with a solution of soda or khozmyl.
  • To the zone of irritation did not increase, cool it with an ice cube.
  • Characteristic symptoms of itching and burning are removed with zinc, antihistamine or hormonal ointments, anti-burn aerosols.

Skin damage is amenable to self-management. The effects of chemical trauma exacerbate the effects of direct sunlight, so the burned areas of the body for the first few days are extremely important to protect from the sun. The best defense is a bandage on a sore spot. With small affected areas, the patient usually has an outpatient care.

If in the following days the consequences of trauma do not decrease, but on the contrary, become more intense (appearance of red-brown color, blisters with liquid), the burn should be treated with the help of a qualified specialist.

Eye burn requires urgent medical intervention. In the hospital, the victim is prescribed a set of procedures: washing, antibiotics, painkillers, bandages and so on. In severe cases, surgical manipulations may be necessary.

Medications

Local therapy includes the use of antiseptic solutions, pharmacy ointments, emulsions or balms. These drugs prevent the occurrence of infectious phenomena and stimulate the renewal of the epidermis. In burn surgery, open and closed methods are practiced.

  • Acriderm ointment is applied in a thin layer, up to six times daily, until the state improves.

The further frequency of application is twice a day. When treating a burn from celandine on the face, the duration of application should not exceed five days; if no improvement occurs, it is necessary to change the acryderm to another ointment.

Precautions: Do not apply around the eyes; Discontinue use if hypersensitivity to the substance is detected.

The medicine can cause burning, dryness, inflammation of the follicles, stimulate increased hair flow and other undesirable phenomena. In case of an overdose, suppression of the activity of the adrenal cortex is observed.

  • Solcoseryl (ointment, gel) is an effective remedy for burns of the first and second degree.

Before the application of solcoseryl, the surface is cleaned with de-oil. Multiplicity of application - once or twice a day. On the skin, processed with ointment, burning can be felt, hives and dermatitis develop. If symptoms do not go away, ointment is canceled.

  • Panthenol from burns is used in different ways.

Ointment, cream, spray or lotion is applied to the skin pre-treated with antiseptic, with a multiplicity of 1 to 4 times. During the procedure, be careful not to get the medication in your eyes.

Gel for eyes are instilled drop by drop 3 - 5 times daily, necessarily at night.

When the mucous membranes of the mouth and scalp are affected, a solution of panthenol is used. The drug is diluted with water: in equal proportions - for rinsing; 1: 3 for the scalp. With minor burns, this procedure stops the process at an easy stage. Treatment with panthenol does not require a bandage.

  • Diazolinum - is recommended as an antiallergic drug.

It is taken by mouth, 0.05-0.02 g once or twice. From tablets, irritation of the gastric mucosa is possible, so they are contraindicated in case of peptic ulcer, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

  • Calendula ointment lightly rub in the surface and apply a bandage.

The procedure is repeated two to three times, the bandage is changed every time to fresh. If there is individual sensitivity to the components of the ointment, symptoms of an allergic reaction are possible.

In addition to these, use Actovegin, synaflan, beponen, rescuer, ichthyol and zinc ointment.

When the eyes are affected, they are rinsed with sterile solutions, prescribe antibiotics, analgesics (analgin, amidopyrine).

When poisoning with celandine preparations, activated charcoal is used, washing the stomach to induce vomiting reflex. If necessary, the procedure is repeated several times.

Alternative treatment

Burn from celandine on the skin does not pose a threat to human life and lends itself to independent treatment at home. Alternative treatment involves proven practices: aloe, potato or starch, tea infusion, mixtures of plant and animal products.

  • Compresses from raw potatoes are used for face burns.

One potato is ground on a blender or a small grater, add a little honey. Apply several times a day.

  • Potato starch is densely bred cold, previously boiled water.

Form a paste applied a thin layer. The procedure is done several times a day.

  • Egg yolk, homemade sour cream and sunflower oil are mixed together and applied once a day.

Nutrient mixture eliminates discomfort, flushing, promotes regeneration of the epidermis.

  • Seabuckthorn oil lubricates the site of burns, frostbite, abrasions.

The medicine is prepared from fresh fruits and warmed lean oil in a 1: 1 ratio. Insist in a dark place for two weeks, squeeze through gauze and use as an external remedy.

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Herbal Treatment

Non-traditional medicine practices the treatment of herbs burns from celandine. Usually recipes offered by healers are simple and available to help burned skin.

  • Aloe

Apply on small parts of the limbs. Pre-washed and peeled aloe leaf is applied to the skin and fixed with a bandage. The procedure is recommended to be repeated twice a day. The plant's active substances stimulate the regeneration of tissues.

  • Tea

Cold strong infusion of black or green tea is used for lotions, in particular, on the face. This treatment effectively removes unpleasant symptoms, activates the renewal of the affected skin.

  • Kalanchoe

A blank sheet of calanchoe pinnate knead to the consistency of the mush, which is applied to the affected area.

  • Mother and stepmother

Equal shares of leaves of mother-and-stepmother and dogrose are crushed into small parts, pour a cup of steep boiling water. In about three hours they make lotions. It is believed that such an infusion of burns is more effective than many other herbal remedies.

Homeopathy

Treatment for burns from celandine has three goals: reducing pain; infection prevention; prevention or therapy of shock. Homeopathy serves as a good tool for burns from celandine.

At the first degree, homeopathic preparations of Arnica 30 and Aconite 30 are very useful.

At the second degree to these preparations it is useful to add Kantaris 30, then Urtica Ureis.

If the patient is in a state of shock, Opium 1M is recommended.

  • Dosage in potency 30C: after two hours of three grains, until persistent improvement. In case of severe damage, the dose may be repeated hourly. If after three procedures there is no obvious improvement, replace it with another homeopathic drug.

More detailed recommendations are of an individual nature, depending on the specific circumstances. But in any case, the relief of pain should come in the next few minutes after taking the medicine. Homeopathic treatment also promotes rapid healing of burns, prevents or reduces the appearance of scars.

Prevention

Preventing burns from celandine follows from causes of injury. To avoid accidental contact with poisonous milk, it is necessary to wear long gloves when working on beds or flower beds. If you work directly with celandine, it is also important to protect your eyes with glasses.

When using celandine preparations for the removal of warts or in other cases, you should strictly follow the instructions: apply the substance directly to the desired place, in a safe concentration and multiplicity, and protect healthy tissue with adhesive tape or lubricate with any cream.

A more gentle means than homemade ointment and juice of the plant is tincture of celandine, mixed with various ingredients (glycerin, petroleum jelly).

It is not recommended to "treat" celandine teeth or to wash the eyes.

To prevent childhood traumatism in the home, medicines with celandine, along with other medicines, must be kept out of reach of children.

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Forecast

With a burn from celandine on the skin, the prognosis is favorable, but red spots may remain on the skin.

Burns of mucous membranes and eyes depend on the severity of the injury, the concentration and time of exposure to the poisonous substance, and the timeliness of the provision of medical care. With proper treatment, burns end in convalescence. In especially severe cases, complications unfavorable for visual function develop, including loss of vision.

An unpretentious plant growing like a weed is in fact a medicinal herb. The name "celandine" speaks for itself: the plant cleans the body ", therefore it is popular with cosmetologists, pharmacists, alternative healers. But ordinary-looking grass can provoke problems. For this it is called less euphonious: "devil's milk" and "witchy potion." The celibate confirms the truth that everything is a cure, and everything is poison, and only a dose delineates these concepts.

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