Remedies for Burns within the Home

Question: What does every house need on hand in case of burns?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, minor incidents like burns can happen within the vicinity of the home. These minor burns damage only the outer layer of the skin, and they are medically termed as first-degree burns. 

Most of these injuries come from five main sources, so show caution when coming into contact with the following:

Common Causes of Minor Burns

• Fire/Flame such as playing with matches or lighted candles
• Steam or hot liquids
• Touching hot objects such as a hot iron, pots, and casserole dishes 
• Electrical burns
• Some chemical burns like cooking oil

Symptoms of Minor Burns

• Blisters if not treated immediately 
• Pain
• Peeling of skin
• Swelling
• Red area or white and scorched skin

Ideally, every house should have a fully stocked first aid kit on hand at all times for relieving these distressing and painful injuries, which is easily purchased and restocked at the local pharmacy. 

In a pinch though, there are natural remedies that can be found within the four corners of the home that can aid in the healing process and lessen the pain. If you find yourself in a situation where you or someone close to you is in discomfort from a burn, try one of the following:

10 home-made remedies

Cold Water

Running cold water all over the burn area for a couple of minutes right after the incident will prevent the burn from spreading. A cold compress over the affected area will also help. Repeating this same process then for a couple of hours will soothe the pain. Using ice is not recommended as it will restrain the blood flow, which will cause damage to gentle tissues around the burned area. A good alternative to ice and water is cold whole milk.

Raw Potato

Minor burns can also be treated by raw potato due to its anti-irritating and easing compounds. It will also greatly mitigate the twinge and lessen the possibility of blistering. Just simply cut a piece of raw potato into chunks, then rub it gently on the affected area ensuring that the juice from the potato is being absorbed by the burned spot. Doing this right after the burn itself will get faster results.

Aloe Vera Plant

Burns can also heal faster with Aloe Vera, as the remedy contains a natural painkiller, astringent and tissue-healing ability. After washing the burned area with cold water or vinegar, slice a small piece of the Aloe Vera leaf and apply the gel gently on the affected area. In the event that you do not have an Aloe Vera plant, a cream that contains Aloe Vera will do also. 

Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice

Coconut oil and lemon juice work very well together in treating minor burn. With its Vitamin E and fatty acids like lauric, capric, and mystric acid, all of which contain anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidizing compounds, coconut oil is a “must-have” in every improvised first aid kit. Lemon juice, on the other hand, has an acidic blend that lightens scars naturally. Mix some lemon juice on coconut oil and gently apply it on scalds. With that mixture, healing will be achieved in the quickest time possible.

Honey

Honey, as naturally sweet as it may be, has a disinfectant solution that helps burn areas heal faster. Spread an ample amount of honey on a gauze bandage, then patch it directly on the affected area. Change the gauze three to four times every day until healed. Honey draws certain fluids from tissues, which naturally cleans the burned area once applied.

Black Tea Bags

Black tea, a staple of every Irish home, has tannic acid that draws out heat from the burned area and reduces the pain. Opinions differ from person to person whether Lyon’s or Barry’s is the better blend for this procedure. In a cup of cold water, place three tea bags and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Next, swab it slowly and gently on the affected area. Another option is to place a cold, wet tea bag straight onto the burn and wrap a piece of gauze bandage around it in order to secure them in place.

Vinegar

Vinegar has a property of an astringent and an antiseptic compound that is very effective in aiding minor burns and avoids the spread of infection. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil also lessens that possibility of scars occurring as it has both antiseptic and painkiller solutions.

Plantain Leaves

Plantain leaves are a well-known antidote to burns since they are very rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. The most common variety of the plantain that you’ll find at home is the humble banana. Who knew?

Onion Juice

Lastly, onion juice has both sulphur and quercetin chemicals that relieve pain and heal burns smoothly while lessening the chances of blistering.