Types Of Burns
Depending on the severity and damage, burns are mainly classified into three types.
1. First-Degree Burns
The burns that cause the least damage to the skin are called first-degree burns. These burns only affect the outermost layer of the skin and do not cause blisters. The common signs of a first-degree burn include redness, inflammation, and in some cases, slight peeling of the skin.
2. Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns often go beyond the outermost layer of the skin and cause the skin to blister and become sore. If a blister happens to pop, it gives the burn a wet appearance. Depending on the severity of the blisters, this type of burns takes a longer time to heal.
3. Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns affect and extend through all the layers of the skin. These are very severe and often cause nerve damage, which disables one’s ability to feel the pain from the burn. The skin affected by a third-degree burn is either waxy white or dark brown. If left untreated, such burns have the potential to cause severe scarring. Third-degree burns must be attended to by an experienced physician and should not be self-treated. Burns that are extremely severe and extend to the bones and tendons are called fourth-degree burns. As you must have concluded by now, if you are suffering from something as severe as a third or fourth-degree burn, you must consult your doctor immediately to prevent permanent scarring. These burns also have the potential to cause death, depending on the extent of damage to your body and hence need to be medically attended to immediately. However, if you are suffering from a minor burn that has happened to blister, following some simple and natural home remedies will help you completely recover from your burn.
How To Treat A Burn Naturally
Best Home Remedies To Treat Burns Naturally
Note: Resort to first aid before trying any of the remedies list below. Run cold water on the burned area for at least 10 minutes and then apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. You can also immerse the affected area in a bowl of cool water if running water is not available.
1. Essential Oils
a. Lavender Oil
2 to 3 drops of undiluted lavender oil Cotton pad
Take a few drops of undiluted lavender oil on a cotton pad and spread it evenly on the burned area. Do this three times a day until you see positive results. Lavender essential oil is widely used for its various medicinal benefits due to its antiseptic nature. The presence of linalyl acetate and beta-caryophyllene gives lavender oil its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of these properties of lavender oil helps in healing minor burns and prevents scarring (1).
b. Peppermint Oil
2 to 3 drops of peppermint oil Cotton pad
Take about three drops of peppermint oil on a cotton pad and apply it to your burn. Do this at least thrice daily. Peppermint oil is rich in menthol, which gives a cooling effect to the burn. In addition, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint oil can eradicate the pain and swelling accompanying the burn (2).
c. Tea Tree Oil
2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil Cotton pad
Take a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton pad and swipe it evenly on your burn. You must do this at least twice daily. Tea tree oil is known for its powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. These properties make it one of the best and quick treatments for painful burns (3). If you have sensitive skin, mix tea tree oil with coconut or olive oil before application.
d. Frankincense Oil
2 to 3 drops of frankincense oil Cotton pad
Take a few drops of frankincense oil on a cotton pad and apply it directly to the burned area. You must do this two to three times daily. Frankincense oil is quite popular for its antiseptic and antioxidant properties, which can prevent your burn from getting infected and also help it heal faster (4).
2. Yellow Mustard
1 tablespoon of yellow mustard 1/2 tablespoon of water
Do this at least thrice daily. Mustard seeds are rich in a counter-irritant compound called allyl isothiocyanate that can relieve pain and improve blood flow to the affected area (5).
3. Aloe Vera
1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel Apply aloe vera gel to the burned area evenly. Do this two to three times a day. Aloe vera gel heals burns with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also antibacterial and therefore, it prevents infection of the wounds, scarring, and blistering (6). You can either use store-bought aloe vera gel or extract it from aloe vera leaves.
4. Honey
2 teaspoons of organic honey Take some organic honey and slather it onto the burn. Do this at least thrice daily. Being a natural antibiotic, honey has a natural pH balance that prevents the burn from becoming infected. Honey also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and thus helps to heal burns faster (7).
5. Toothpaste
White minty toothpaste Do this once in a day. Toothpaste helps in reducing the pain and soothes the burn due to its minty nature.
6. Tea Bags
2 to 3 used tea bags Do this at least twice daily. Tea is rich in tannic acids that help to draw heat from the burned area. Thus, tea bags are capable of relieving pain and the burning sensation (8), (9).
7. Baking Soda
1 teaspoon of baking soda 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of water
You must follow this regimen two to three times daily. The antiseptic nature of baking soda helps in keeping the burned area infection-free. Baking soda can also help to restore the natural pH balance of your skin and this, in turn, reduces the pain and burning sensation (10).
8. Coconut Oil
1 to 2 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil You must follow this remedy at least thrice daily for a speedy recovery. Coconut oil, scientifically termed as Cocos nucifera, can help in skin cell regeneration and can also penetrate into the skin. It is also anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and can help in cooling down the burn and preventing blistering and scarring of the burned skin (11), (12).
9. Vitamin E Oil
1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil You must do this three to four times daily. Vitamin E is well known and widely used for its various skin benefits. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E oil help in combating inflammation and its skin regeneration abilities can help to heal the burn faster (13).
10. Milk
1/4 cup of cold milk Cotton balls
You must repeat this every couple of hours until the pain and burning sensation begin to fade. Milk has a high content of zinc and some proteins that can help in soothing and healing burns faster (14).
11. Vinegar
2 teaspoons of refrigerated vinegar 2 teaspoons of water Cotton pads
Do this 2 to 3 times daily. Vinegar is a natural astringent and antiseptic and is mainly composed of acetic acid. Acetic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. These properties of vinegar can be beneficial in treating and healing minor burns (15).
12. Oats
1 tablespoon of oats 1 bowl of water
You must do this at least twice daily. Oats are rich in many antioxidants like vitamin E, phytic acids, and avenanthramides. Among these, avenanthramides are found to reduce inflammation. Thus, due to the combined effect of these antioxidants, oats can help to reduce the pain and help your burn heal faster (16).
13. Salt
1 teaspoon of salt Water
Follow this remedy several times daily. Salt, also referred to as sodium chloride (NaCl), has natural healing and antimicrobial properties that prevent blistering and help the burn heal faster (17). You must always remember to run cold water on your burn before going ahead with any of these treatments as this will reduce the impact of your burn and prevent it from spreading further. And although you can follow these remedies to treat minor burns right at home, in case of severe burns, you must visit a doctor immediately.
Is Vaseline good for burns? Yes, Vaseline can help seal in moisture and facilitate healing of a burn wound. Can you put ice on a burn? No, you should not put ice or ice cold water on a burn, as the sudden drop in temperature may constrict the blood vessels and cause further damage to the wound and its surrounding tissues. For minor burns, use cool (not cold) running water instead and for major burns, seek immediate medical attention. Is tomato good for burns? Yes, putting tomato slices on a burn after running it under cool water may help prevent blisters, reduce inflammation and facilitate healing due to its lycopene content (18). Does ketchup work on burns? Ketchup contains tomatoes (lycopene) and may help prevent blistering in a pinch. However, there is no scientific research to support this home remedy for burns. Is yogurt good for burns? Anecdotal evidence suggests that yogurt has a cooling and soothing effect on burns. However, there is a lack of scientific research to validate this claim.
