5 Natural Minor Burn Remedies

A minor burn can be pretty painful resulting in weeks of sore blistering and peeled skin. The most import way to reduce the effects of a minor burn is to immediately treat it. However, sometimes you could be in a situation where you cannot get medical treatment.

These 5 natural minor burn remedies are ways you can address a first or second degree burn with remedies you may have in your home.

Check with your doctor beforehand to make sure these remedies are safe for your individual health history.

Spot the Sizzle

If you burn yourself it is important to know what type of burn you have sustained. Any burn should immediately be treated by a health professional. However, as mentioned, if the burn is a first or second degree injury you may, if absolutely necessary, be able to temporarily treat it on your own until you can get to a doctor.

Here are descriptions of the three levels of burns:

• First degree – Pain, redness and swelling of the outside skin layer. Healing time: 3-6 days
• Second degree – Pain, redness, swelling and blistering of the outside and underlying skin layer. Healing time: 2-3 weeks
• Third degree – Numb, white or blackened, charred skin deep into many skin layers. Extremely serious and can only be treated by a medical professional. Healing time: Months to years.

What Not to Do

Before you determine what is right to do when treating a minor burn it is even more important to address what not to do.

Avoid Ice – Ice may feel good but according to the Wall Street Journal (5/4/13), “A study in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery suggests that using warm instead of cold water, while counterintuitive, may be a more effective method of limiting tissue damage and restoring blood flow to burned areas.”

No Butter or Oil – There is no evidence that putting butter or oil on a burn can help heal it. In fact, it may be harmful as bacteria can easily be present or attracted by this method.

Toothpaste is for Teeth – Some suggest toothpaste for a minor burn but they are wrong. Toothpaste can also cause infection and in some cases more pain.

Hello Aloe 

The spiky aloe vera plant is full of healing capabilities. For burns, it may be the best green roommate to have in your home. Simply use a scissor to cut off about an inch long piece. Don’t worry, this plant rejuvenates very well. Squeeze the thick juice from the cut end directly onto a minor burn.

According to a study by researchers in Thailand, published in Burns: Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries (9/07), it was stated that,

“…cumulative evidence tends to support that aloe vera might be an effective intervention used in burn wound healing for first to second degree burns.”

The Purple Plant

Lavender is a flowering purple plant that emits a calming, deep scent especially when ground into an oil. This oil has shown to work as a natural antiseptic which may immediately heal a burn when applied right away.

In 1910, French chemist and scholar, René-Maurice Gattefossé sustained a terrible burn accident in his lab. He remembered lavender’s healing capability and immediately applied it to his skin.

He later wrote,

“Just one rinse with lavender essence stopped ‘the gasification of the tissue.’ This treatment was followed by profuse sweating, and healing began the next day.”

Bee the Remedy

Raw honey is another heal-all-wonder. When applied to a burn its antiseptic properties move into action. Indian researchers found that raw honey speeds healing, reduces pain and significantly minimizes scarring.

Not Just for Salad

It seems that vinegar may help an emergency minor burn.

The Los Angeles Times reported (4/03) that,

“After initially rinsing the wound with water, the sooner you apply vinegar to the site, the better. The study found that weak acids like vinegar worked 15 minutes faster than water alone, potentially preventing more skin damage and pain caused by alkaline chemicals reacting with fat in the skin.”

Spuds

Potatoes can be found in almost any home. Therefore, if need be, why not use them on a burn? Simply place a freshly cut potato over the burn and adhere with surrounding gauze.

Also published in Burns: Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries (4/90), Indian researchers reported that,

“…the application of the potato peel dressing reduced or eliminated desiccation, permitted the survival of superficial skin cells and hastened epithelial regeneration.”

Post these 5 natural minor burn remedies on your refrigerator for quick referral in case of an accidental first or second degree burn.