Find Natural Burn Remedies
Types of Burns
There are different types of burns, including those caused by extreme heat or cold, the sun, friction, electricity, chemicals, and radiation. Burns are classified by degree. In a first degree burn, only the top layer of skin (epidermis) is affected. The skin surface is red, unbroken, and painful. In a second degree burn, the top layer and the layer underneath (dermis) are damaged. This type of burn produces redness, swelling, blisters, and severe pain. In a third degree burn, the injury extends beyond the dermis. Fat, muscle, and bone may be affected. The skin is brown or blackened and may be numb due to nerve damage. Click on image to enlarge.
Natural burn remedies can be used at home if the person is suffering from a first degree burn or a “minor” second degree burn. Seek immediate medical attention for second degree burns (if larger than 3 inches in diameter or if the burn is on the face, hands, groin, buttocks, or feet, or over a major joint) and third degree burns.
Natural Remedies for Minor Burns
Water
The first thing you should do is run cool (not cold) water over the affected area for 10-15 minutes. If you are unable to run water over the area, you can soak the area in cool water or you can dip a cloth in cold water and apply to the area.
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey helps treat burns naturally because it reduces pain and swelling, repairs damaged skin, and helps prevent infections and scar formation.
Apply Manuka honey to a sterile gauze, place over the affected area, and secure with tape. Every 12 hours, remove the gauze, wash the area gently with warm water, and apply a fresh gauze with honey.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a wonderful “first-aid” plant for the skin. If you have a plant, break off about a 1/2 inch piece of the leaf and squeeze the juice onto the burned area. The most effective juice comes from plants that are at least 2-3 years old. If you use a product, avoid ones that have been processed and use as directed.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a wonderful natural remedy for first degree burns. It can help relieve pain and speed up the healing process. For small burns, like a finger burn, apply 2-3 drops of oil directly to the area. For larger burns, like a sunburn, dilute the oil by mixing 1 ounce of essential lavender oil (pure oil) with 1 ounce of aloe vera juice and apply to the affected area.
Milk
For quick relief from a first degree burn, dip a cloth into cold milk and apply over the burn.
Potatoes
Potatoes are also helpful for first degree burns because they can help draw out heat and pain. Apply a thin slice of raw, washed potato over the burned area for 15 minutes, keep off for 5 minutes, and apply a fresh slice for another 15 minutes. Instead of a potato, you can use a raw onion or a piece of fresh pumpkin pulp.
Apple Cider Vinegar & Baking Soda
Apple cider vinegar and baking soda are natural burn remedies used to soothe sunburns. Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar or 1/4 cup of baking soda to warm bath water and soak for 15 minutes.
Sources Used
Burns: First aid - https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-burns/fa00022
Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments (from the editors of Bottom Line/Health) 2006
Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen, Bottom Line’s Healing Remedies (2006)
Healing Solutions For Burns And Sunburns - https://www.botanical.com/site/by_you/acandee_burns.html
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of the National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Disclaimer
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