Almost everyone experiences being burned sometime, whether you've laid out in the sun too long and became sunburned, grabbed the wrong part of your curling iron or had the oven mitt slip and touched a hot pan.
You know how painful this can be, but did you also know that leaving a burn untreated may lead to a dangerous or even deadly infection?
Even if it doesn't come to that, immediately treating the burn prevents the pain from setting in, and pain is much harder to get rid of after it has begun than it is to avoid. Read on to find out how to soothe a burn with everyday household items and be ready to stop a minor injury from becoming a major pain.
What is a Burn?
A burn wound is an area of damaged tissue caused by the application of excessive heat. The source of heat may be an open flame, such as a campfire or stove top, a heated object like a curling iron, or by a reactive chemical contacting the skin. The amount of damage to the tissue depends on the temperature of the heat and the length of exposure.
Degrees of Burn Severity
Medical professionals categorize burn wounds into three categories by considering the depth of tissue damaged by the heat. First and second-degree burns are the most common, and you may treat them at home. Any third-degree burn will require a trip to the doctor and extensive medical treatment.
Burn severity may increase even after the source of heat has been removed, so it is crucial to monitor the condition of the wound and alter your treatment accordingly.
First-Degree Burns
A first-degree burn is not very deep, affecting only the first layer of skin. Your skin will become red, irritated, and painful. You will usually experience swelling of the skin and shedding of the damaged tissue. Sunburn is the most common example of a first-degree burn and is something that almost everyone will experience sometime.
First degree burns can be treated at home and are minor, although repeated sunburns can increase your risk of skin cancer. Only the first layer of tissue, the epidermis, can regenerate. A burn is no longer categorized as first-degree if it has damaged tissue below the skin.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns affect the layers below the skin. Since only the top layer can regenerate completely, a second-degree burn may change the injured area permanently. Second-degree injuries are still relatively minor, and you can treat them at home.
Signs of second-degree burns are blistering in the area, inflammation, and redness of the skin. The pain will be worse than the dull aching and itching of a first-degree burn, being more throbbing and pointed.
Third-Degree Burns
You can identify third-degree burns by waxy and or white looking skin, charred tissue, or tissue that completely falls away. Third degree burns are typically easy to recognize as the severity of the injury is apparent.
However, wounds initially considered second-degree might become third-degree burns as more tissue damage occurs in the area.
When to See a Doctor
You should always seek medical attention if you have or suspect that you may have a third-degree burn. You should never try to apply a home remedy to a third-degree burn. If the injury grows or doesn't seem to be healing, you should see your doctor.
Burns involving a clothed area of the body may result in the clothing becoming attached to the skin. Never pull clothing away from a burn wound as doing so may result in uncontrollable bleeding and could cause more damage to the tissue.
Now that you’re aware of the differences in severity regarding burn injuries, here’s how to soothe a burn with items you probably have in your home.
Home Remedies
Burns are some of the most commonly experienced injuries in the home, and they can be painful, but regarding treatment, many people don’t know what is good for burns or how to relieve the pain.
Although uncommon, people do die of complications resulting from minor burns that they had neglected to treat. Therefore, it is essential for you to be prepared to address them when the need arises. You should know what to have on hand, as preventing infection and keeping the pain from setting in can save you from the injury worsening into a painful and expensive medical issue.
Having these remedies on hand might just save you a costly trip to the doctor.
Water
Water is the most common home remedy for burns, and it should be the first step in any burn treatment. The priority is to remove the heat from the injury, and you can accomplish this best by running the injured area under cold tap water. Cooling the burn prevents it from increasing in severity.
You should always cool a burn with water before proceeding with any other remedy. You want to treat the burn as quickly as possible for the best results. Reduce the temperature of the wound to normal by running cold water over it for as long as necessary. You will notice the pain gradually fade away, but this can take up to 30 or even 45 minutes.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
After cooling the injury, your next step should be to take an over the counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, to prevent pain from setting in. The damage to the nerves in the area, as well as the inflammation stemming from the body's response, causes the pain you feel during a burn injury.
If you can take an NSAID, like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, soon enough after the injury, you may prevent the swelling and the subsequent pain. Take a pain medication as quickly as possible after the injury. You may even choose to take it while still cooling the burn with water, if possible.
Over the counter pain medications should be your first tool in reducing the pain caused by a burn, as these are the most efficacious and are readily available.
Antibiotic Ointments
Infections resulting from a burn injury are a real threat, and they can become severe or even deadly. Antibiotics ointments inhibit the growth of bacteria and prevent infection. Every household should have a triple antibiotic cream, and most first-aid kits include them.
Clean the wound thoroughly beforehand. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the entire burned area and cover the wound with a bandage. You want to avoid any bandage or dressing that will shed fibers into the wound. It is critical that you use an antibiotic ointment when you have broken the skin or else you unnecessarily risk getting an infection. Clean the wound and re-apply the cream daily.
Cool Compresses
After running it under water to return it to average temperature, cooling the area further can minimize swelling and avoid inflammation. Cool compresses combined with taking an NSAID pain reliever can produce excellent results. Use a cold, wet cloth or cold compress immediately after cooling the burn with running water.
Water or compresses that are too cold may exacerbate the pain and irritate the skin further, so make sure the water is cold but not so much that it is uncomfortable. Replace the compresses as they warm up. More frequent replacements will help to keep the treatment working.
Honey
Honey, like potato peels, is known to have anti-microbial properties, but it also contains anti-inflammatory agents that can help to alleviate pain. Small burns treated with honey have even been shown to heal faster than those treated with wet compresses and burn cream.
After running the burn under water and thoroughly cleaning it, apply a small amount of honey to a pad of gauze and loosely secure it with a bandage. You should clean the wound, and change the pad daily. You may choose to apply the honey without the pad if you can keep the area undisturbed, but it could be messy.
Black Tea
In the food industry, workers often treat burns with black tea bags, due to their accessibility to workers and the fact that many people report an immediate reduction in pain. Black tea contains tannins, which helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the burn wound and has been shown to reduce the amount of eschar, (the dead skin that forms from a burn and falls away).
Treat the burn area by moistening the tea bag with cold water and holding it on the burn for several minutes. You may also choose to secure the tea bag with a loose bandage. Here is an alternative method: add the tea to boiling water at a ratio of 1 part tea leaves to 10 parts water and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
Then, filter the solution and let it cool, before applying it to a gauze pad and securing it with a bandage. You may also choose to soak a rag in the solution and gently wipe it over the area.
Potatoes
Potato peels are known to have anti-bacterial properties, and the moisture contained in them can relieve the pain from a burn in the same way that treating the injury with cool compresses does. As one of the oldest known natural remedies for burns, the use of potato peels used to be more common before the introduction of modern bandages and antibacterial ointments.
You do not need to cook the peel, but if you choose to, cool it to room temperature before use. As always, run the burn under water before moving on to another remedy. You want to secure the piece over the wound loosely with a bandage. You may use the pad for up to one day, but you should change it at least once daily.
Aloe Vera
After cold compresses, aloe is probably the most popular as well as the most effective home remedy for burns. Aloe has been proven to reduce pain, sterilize the wound and to promote healing, all while providing a soothing sensation. For these reasons, many people choose to keep aloe products in the home, often to treat things like sunburn or dry skin.
You may apply aloe in the form of an over the counter cream, or use it directly from an aloe leaf by breaking the blade and directing the liquid inside straight on to the burn. Re-apply daily, and clean the wound beforehand.
Vinegar
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which cleans the wound. The acidic Ph of vinegar prevents the growth of bacteria, minimizing the risk of infection. It is also an astringent, an agent that causes the skin to constrict. Constricting the skin in the area of the injury helps to prevent the formation of a blister by keeping the wound from being infiltrated by the fluid that fills a blister.
To apply the vinegar, soak a clean cloth and place it over the area. Replace the fabric every few hours or when it dries out. The acidity of vinegar may cause pain if you have an open wound.
Whole Milk
Whole milk contains fat which helps to soothe the pain and promote healing of the wound. Since it is kept cold, the temperature will also help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. To apply, you can either pour the milk slowly over the area or use a rag to apply it gently to the wound.
Alternatively, you may choose to fill a bowl and soak the affected area in it for several minutes if possible. Do not use milk to treat a burn if you have an open wound. The fats and sugars it contains may promote bacteria growth.
Plantain Leaves
Plantain leaves can help to treat burn wounds in a few different ways. Plantain leaves contain an anticoagulant, are anti-microbial and can reduce swelling, so applying the juice from plantain leaves can help to reduce inflammation, prevent the growth of bacteria and stop any bleeding.
It has also been shown to reduce the formation of scars. The application is simple. Extract the juice from the leaves by crushing them, and then apply the liquid directly to the wound. Re-apply as needed throughout the day.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract can help reduce pain by cooling the skin. As the alcohol in the extract evaporates off of the surface, it transfers heat away from the wound which cools it, helping to reduce pain and inflammation. Just apply the extract to the area with a cotton swab or a clean cloth.
You may also use a small eye dropper to drop it onto the skin. You don’t want to cover the burn when using vanilla extract, as this will prevent evaporation. Since the extract contains alcohol, applying it may sting if it gets into an open cut, so be careful.
Coconut Oil
The vitamin E in coconut oil promotes healing, and the oil also inhibits the growth of fungus and bacteria, helping to keep the wound clean. The moisturizing properties of coconut oil can help to keep the skin soft as the wound heals. Massage the oil onto the burn after cleaning it.
You may reapply the oil several times a day if needed. You may choose to cover the wound loosely if you wish.
Banana Peels
Anti-oxidants reduce pain by inhibiting swelling and inflammation. Banana peels contain an anti-oxidant in the form of lutein. Treat the burn by placing a banana peel over the wound.
Apply gentle pressure to the peel to ensure that it’s making contact with the skin. Replace the peel daily, and be sure to clean the wound before reapplying.
Onion Juice
The sulfur and quercetin in onion juice can help to relieve pain and inhibit the formation of blisters. You will need to apply this treatment soon after cooling the injury to see any benefit. It will not be of much help after a blister has already formed. The application is quite straightforward.
Cut an onion into small pieces and rub them over the affected area as many times daily as needed. You should not cook the onion, as doing so will release the compounds, making the treatment ineffective. Never reuse an onion piece and be sure to clean the area beforehand.
Mustard
Mustard is a pain reliever that many have found to provide immediate relief. As with baking soda, form a paste about the consistency of toothpaste by adding water to ground yellow mustard.
You can also use yellow mustard out of the bottle, but the viscosity may make it hard to apply.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is needed by the body to grow new tissue and heal the wound. You can promote healing by supplying your body with vitamin e orally, or by applying it directly to the injury.
Either take vitamin e orally in the form of capsules or apply vitamin e oil directly to the burn several times a day.
Vitamin C
Like vitamin e, the body needs vitamin c to heal the wound. Vitamin c is also vital in promoting a healthy immune system, which helps stave off any infections that could result from the burn wound. It is best to take the vitamin C orally, in the form of a capsule once daily.
You can also ensure that you are receiving enough vitamin c through your diet by eating foods rich in the vitamin, such as oranges, strawberries, and pineapples. The recommended daily intake of vitamin c is 75 milligrams for women and 90 milligrams for men.
Mint Toothpaste
Mint has pain relieving properties, so applying mint toothpaste to the wound can help to dull the pain. Make sure that the toothpaste contains real mint oil. Using toothpaste that is merely flavored mint will not give you any benefit. Apply the toothpaste directly to the wound after rinsing in cold water.
Repeat the process after the toothpaste dries. You can cover the paste up with a bandage or plastic wrap to slow the drying of the toothpaste. Saran wrap works well for this, but you should only apply the film to the injured area.
Salt
People have used salt as a remedy for cuts for centuries because of its anti-microbial properties. It is also a desiccant, so it absorbs moisture and dries out the wound, which helps to prevent the formation of blisters. After cleaning the wound, rub salt over the affected area several times a day.
Applying salt to an open wound may cause a temporary stinging sensation. You should only use food grade table salt. Never use other salt products like those sold as ice-melt as they may contain other harmful chemicals. You may find that finer graded salt works better than coarse, rock salt.
Oatmeal Bath
If you have a first-degree burn such as sunburn, you may be experiencing an itching sensation. An oatmeal bath may provide some relief, as compounds found in oatmeal can help to stop the itching. The water will also help to remove the dead skin.
Place a cup of uncooked rolled oats into a warm bath, mixing it in well. Soak yourself in the mixture for a minimum of 15 minutes. Don’t towel dry afterward as this may further irritate the skin and negate the effects of the bath. You should air dry instead, and then apply a skin lotion, preferably one that contains aloe, to prevent further itching.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has been shown to decrease the amount of scarring from burn wounds, and it also has antiseptic properties. Although it’s not clear exactly how it works, many people have reported that the use of lavender oil has helped to reduce pain. Apply lavender oil to the wound several times a day as needed.
You can either drop the liquid directly on to the skin or soak a pad in the oil and secure it over the wound, gently pressing the pad onto the surface to ensure contact. You must replace the pad every few hours for the treatment to be useful.
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Rinse the affected area with cold water immediately. Removing the heat from the injury is the top priority.
- Take an over the counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen as soon as possible
- Stay mindful of the severity of the injury and seek medical treatment if necessary
- Watch for signs of infection such as increased inflammation after the initial injury
- Clean the wound daily and use an antibiotic ointment
- Don’t use ice for a burn injury. Doing so will further irritate the skin and can cause more damage.
- Don’t pull clothing away from skin that has become attached due to a burn. Seek medical attention.
- Don’t pop any blisters that may form. Blisters are a part of the body’s natural defense against infection.
- Don’t try to treat a third degree burn yourself. Doing so will likely complicate the injury.
- Don’t neglect treatment. Begin treatment as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Always remember that the first step in treating a burn at home is cooling it thoroughly under cold running water. Only after doing so should you access the severity of the injury and move forward with any home remedies.
Keeping the wound clean is also critical, so be sure to wash it thoroughly every day. Medical professionals typically suggest the first four treatments listed here, so you should start with these before moving on to others. Treatment requirements vary widely between first and third-degree burns, so if you aren't sure of the severity of your injury, seek medical advice from a professional before proceeding.
Hopefully, you have some of these natural remedies for burns in your home. Since these injuries happen every day, it’s essential for you to know what is good for burns and how to treat them.
