Burns

Whether you burned yourself on a hot pan or spent too much time in the sun, burns are uncomfortable.

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 from everyday household items. If appropriately treated (right at the time of injury), the burn trauma will have less pain, 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 are more severe such as second or third-degree burns that 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). Second-degree burns cause redness, blistering, and swelling and are extremely painful. Healing time varies, and there may be scarring.

Third-Degree Burns

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

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 in the eyes or the scalp, covers a large area of skin, or you have extreme blistering or show signs of third-degree burns, it is important 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, as they 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

Small areas or minor stinging burns can be soothed using a burn preparation containing numbing agents such as lidocaine. These pain relievers work quickly to reduce pain and eliminate itching. They are meant to be used in the acute phase of burn treatment and are not for continuous use.

Honey

Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help prevent infection. Honey acts as a natural moisturizer which helps aid burn healing. Apply a thin layer of honey 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 and place the tea bag on the burned area and leave on for 10 minutes, then remove.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a good moisturizer to help prevent skin dryness, soothe burned skin, and aid healing. Place a small amount of coconut oil into the palm until it warms and liquefies, gently rub it onto the burned area.

Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal from natural oats is helpful in soothing irritated, dry skin. Oats contain anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve itching and inflammation.

Vitamin C

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

Scar Cream/Silicone Sheets

Healed burns that have left a scar can be helped by applying a scar cream or a flat silicone sheet directly on the scar. Wound healing and scar remodeling typically go on for several months, and newer scars that are still red or pink can be flattened or made to look more normal by applying silicone directly on the scar. The scar sheets are typically used at night while sleeping and can flatten and minimize the appearance of the scar over several weeks.

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.