Home Remedies to Soothe Burns

A burn to the skin is an injury caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns can be minor with minimal discomfort or severely painful, risking life and limb and requiring hospitalization.

Luckily, most burns are minor and usually caused by accidents involving everyday household items. If appropriately treated (right at the time of injury), burn trauma will be less painful, and scarring can be prevented.

Types of Burns

Even a tiny first-degree burn can cause stinging pain that doesn't let up. Some burns, such as second—or third-degree, are more severe and require medical attention.

First-Degree Burn

First-degree burns are superficial and only affect the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). Symptoms of first-degree burns include redness, minor swelling, and pain, but they usually heal without scarring within a week. First-degree burns do not blister the skin. A mild sunburn is a first-degree burn.

Second-Degree Burn

Second-degree burns damage the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). They are extremely painful and cause redness, blistering, and swelling. Healing time varies, and scarring may occur.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are the most severe and affect all skin layers, including the underlying tissues. The burned area may look white, charred, or leathery. Due to severe nerve damage, a third-degree burn may not cause pain. However, because they are life-threatening, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention. Third-degree burns often require skin grafting to heal correctly.

Cautions

Remember, these home remedies are suitable for minor burns only. For more severe burns or burns that cover a large area of the body, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Burns

Immediate medical attention is critical for severe burns (some second-degree and all third-degree burns). If the burn is in a delicate area, such as the eyes or the scalp, covers a large area of skin, has extreme blistering, or shows signs of third-degree burns, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital.

For the less serious minor types of burns (first-degree and less serious second-degree burns), home remedies for burns use easy steps to help heal and reduce discomfort.

Burn First Aid

After the person has been removed from the source of the burn injury;

  • Cool the injured area: Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-20 minutes or until the pain subsides. Do not cover the burn in ice. Cool water will soothe the burn, reduce pain, and prevent further damage.
  • Cover the burn: Protect the burn by covering it with a sterile, non-stick bandage or clean cloth to prevent infection.
  • Pain relief: Take OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Do not break blisters: Do not break any blisters that form. Blisters are a natural reaction that helps to protect the underlying skin.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel comes from a plant and has soothing and healing properties that reduce inflammation and help heal the skin. Use pure aloe vera gel or a burn formulation containing aloe vera gel on the burn.

Colloidal Silver Gel

Colloidal silver was used to treat infections and wounds before antibiotics became available. Use a colloidal silver burn preparation to soothe and cool burns, sunburns, and irritated skin.

Lidocaine

A burn preparation containing numbing agents such as lidocaine can soothe small areas or minor stinging burns. These pain relievers work quickly to reduce pain and eliminate itching. They are meant for the acute phase of burn treatment and are not for continuous use.

Honey

Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help prevent infection. It also acts as a natural moisturizer, which helps aid burn healing. To use honey, apply a thin layer to the burn.

Tea Bags

Tea is an astringent and contains tannins. The tannins are soothing and help soothe the burn. Cool used black or green tea bags, place the tea bag on the burned area, leave it on for 10 minutes, then remove it.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a good moisturizer that helps prevent skin dryness, soothe burns, and aid healing. Warm a small amount of coconut oil in your palm until it liquefies, then gently rub it onto the burned area.

Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal, made from natural oats, soothes irritated, dry skin. Oats also contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve itching and inflammation.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps build collagen and is helpful in wound healing. You can take a vitamin C supplement, eat foods rich in vitamin C, or drink juices containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits.

Scar Cream/Silicone Sheets

Applying a scar cream or a flat silicone sheet directly to a scar can help heal burns that have left a scar. Wound healing and scar remodeling typically last several months, and silicone can flatten or make newer scars that are still red or pink look more normal. Scar sheets are usually used at night while sleeping and can flatten and minimize the appearance of the scar over several weeks.