Burns are scary, especially for children. Thankfully, there are several home remedies that can help relieve the pain and speed up the healing process of a burn. In this article, we will discuss how you can treat a burn safely at home with these easy-to-find ingredients:
Cool Water
When you’re experiencing a burn, cool water will help reduce pain and inflammation.
- To cool down a burn with water: Fill a bowl or sink with cool (not cold) water, then submerge the affected area in it for at least 10 minutes. If possible, soak the injured skin under running tap water until it feels numb to touch (this could take anywhere between 5-20 minutes).
- How long should I stay submerged? You should keep your injured area submerged until it stops stinging and becomes numb–this may take anywhere from 5-20 minutes depending on how severe your injury is. If you experience any tingling sensation after removing yourself from the bathtub or sink, simply wash off again before applying any additional treatments like aloe vera gel or butterbur extract cream (more on those below!).
Aloe Vera
If you’re looking for a go-to burn treatment, aloe vera is your best bet. The plant contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain. It also contains vitamins A, C and E which are all good for healing burns (source). Aloe vera can be purchased in gel form at most health food stores or online. You can apply the gel directly to the affected area as needed until your skin heals completely–usually within three days!
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is an effective remedy for burns, as it has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It also has antibacterial and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation.
To make a soothing lavender oil blend, combine 1 teaspoon of lavender oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or any other carrier oil). Apply this mixture to the affected area several times throughout the day.
Raw Honey
Honey is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial, which means it can help to reduce the pain and swelling of a burn. It also helps speed up the healing process by boosting your immune system.
How to use it? If you want to try using honey as an ointment for burns, apply it directly over the area of skin that has been affected. You can also mix one part honey with three parts water until you have a thick paste; this is especially effective if you’re treating children whose burns are fresh or raw (which means they haven’t scabbed yet).
Raw Potato
When you have a burn and want to treat it at home, try applying the raw potato directly to the affected area. The coolness of this vegetable will help soothe pain and reduce inflammation, as well as speed up healing time. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with cold water–you can repeat this remedy up to three times per day if necessary.
However, be careful not to use this remedy if you have open wounds on your skin or any other type of infection (like an ingrown hair).
Black Tea Bags
You can use black tea bags to treat a burn. Tea contains tannic acid, which helps reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. To use this remedy:
- Soak two or three black tea bags in water, then remove them from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Place one moistened bag on your burn for 10 minutes at a time until it feels cool to touch (or until all of the liquid has been absorbed). Repeat as necessary until your burn is no longer painful or red. If you’re out of black tea bags, try using green or white teas instead–they have similar properties!
- Use this treatment three times per day until all signs of pain have gone away; if there’s still some tenderness after applying each bag, wait another five minutes before applying another one until no more discomfort remains from previous applications.*
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is a natural antioxidant that helps heal burns, and it can be used topically or internally. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is good for skin. Vitamin E oil can be used on all skin types, though it’s especially helpful for people who have sensitive skin or eczema because of its soothing properties.
Vitamin E oil should be stored in a cool place away from sunlight to prevent oxidation; if you store it at room temperature (about 20 degrees Celsius), then it will last about six months before going rancid.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another good remedy for burns, because it contains acetic acid, which helps to neutralize the burn and reduce inflammation. To use apple cider vinegar on your skin, simply pour some onto a cotton ball or pad and apply directly to the affected area. Leave it there until you feel like your skin has been sufficiently soaked in the liquid (about 5 minutes). You can repeat this process as often as needed throughout the day if you have multiple blisters or burns on different parts of your body (for example: one hand may be more sensitive than another).
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a good remedy for burns. It’s also a natural antibacterial agent and can help to speed up the healing process, especially if you get the burn early in its development. The best way to use coconut oil on a burn is by applying it directly to your skin as soon as possible after getting hurt. If you don’t have any at home, try asking someone who does or buying some online!
Banana Peel
Banana peels are a great remedy for burns because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which help with the pain and swelling. Bananas are also rich in potassium and magnesium. These two minerals help restore electrolyte balance in your body, as well as aid muscle movement and nerve function.
Bananas contain vitamins A, B6, C and K which aid in healing wounds faster by helping to repair damaged tissue.
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices are an easy and effective way to treat a burn. The coolness of cucumbers will help soothe the skin, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. Cucumbers are also natural antiseptics that may help prevent infection in the burn area.
If you have a fresh cucumber on hand (or even if you don’t), slice one up into thin pieces and place them directly on top of the burned area for about 15 minutes at a time. Repeat this process until all signs of redness have disappeared from your skin or until it becomes too uncomfortable for you to keep applying more slices without causing additional discomfort or pain for yourself.
Avocado
If you’re looking for a home remedy for burns, avocado is a great option. Avocado contains vitamin E, which is good for the skin. It also contains healthy fats that help soothe and heal damaged tissue.
With these tips, you’ll be able to treat burns at home. If the burn is serious or gets worse after 24 hours, go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
