Recently I started using my curling iron again (growing my hair out, ugh) and immediately gave myself a giant burn on the forehead. Plus it’s baking season, and I’m guessing I’m not the only one with a singed hand after Thanksgiving. Those accidents may seem small, but they hurt! And they can lead to scarring if not treated properly.
6 Ways to Soothe a Burn
Not sure exactly what you’re supposed to do after a burn? Turns out you don’t need ice or butter, but you might want to start growing an aloe plant. (Note: if you’re not sure if your burn is serious, definitely get medical help to check it out.) If you’re burn is minor, put down the curling iron and pick up one of these 6 simple remedies to put the fire out.
1. Cool water
First, stop the burn by running the injured area under cool water. It doesn’t have to be ice cold (that can even make a burn worse). The cool water stops the burn from spreading in the skin and can temporarily numb the pain.
2. Aloe
Break off a piece of fresh aloe and apply the natural healing ointment. It will cool the burn and provide moisture. You can amplify aloe’s effects internally by drinking aloe water or adding it to a smoothie.
3. Honey
If you burn yourself while cooking, reach for the healing power of honey (raw honey is best). This powerful kitchen cure can provide instant cooling relief and also help skin heal faster, so keep applying it. Add a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil for more burn relief. Other kitchen remedies to try: the inside of a banana peel, a piece of raw potato or baking soda in a bowl of warm water.
4. Lavender
Grab your lavender essential oil for one of the simplest burn remedies. Apply 1-2 drops of oil directly to the burn to ease pain and prevent scarring.
5. Calendula oil
Renowned for its skin-healing properties, calendula is a pretty little flower that packs a powerful (yet gentle) punch. Make your own calendula oil infusion for a soothing, antibacterial final product that can be applied to skin straight out of the shower, or used in everyday items from homemade first-aid salves to diaper creams. It will help heal damaged skin, reduce scarring and generally keep skin happy and calm.
6. 2-Ingredient First Aid Salve
Skip the butter for your burn (it can hold in heat and make the burn worse) and instead keep a batch of this super easy first aid salve on hand. Melt one ounce of coconut oil and add 20 drops of lavender oil. Store in a lidded container in a cool, dry place. The naturally antibacterial properties of both lavender and coconut oil can help prevent infection and speed healing so it can be used for all kinds of minor cuts and scrapes. Dab the salve onto wound with finger and cover with a band-aid.
In January I dropped my hair straightener on my ankle causing a serious burn. Once it became a scar, it was very dark & purple. then my dermatologist recommend me dermalmd scar serum and I ordered this serum at the end of January & apply it every night after the shower & it is almost completely gone! I highly recommend it!
Aloe is a plant that everyone should have in the kitchen, whether they are a baker or not. It gives the kitchen a nice refreshing look. I knew that aloe has great healing properties for burns but I did not know about the others! Very useful information, thank you!
Horribly allergic to aloe :-( but in the process of trying to find a good burn remedy I have found that cool brewed black tea can work wonders. Since I keep a pitcher of it in the fridge most of the time it is always handy. Also the old stand by of a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel can be helpful for a larger burn.
You can use egg yolk, it’s really very effective. it doesn’t allow blisters.
Ice can certainly help swelling and pain for soft tissue injuries but it is never really a good idea (although you may feel temporary relief) for a burn. The damaged skin will get frostbite and make things much worse. I cannot stress enough the need for cool water on a burn until the pain goes away. A damp cloth wrapped in a dry cloth can help when it is impractical to run water for 1/2 an hour. If the burn is very dark in colour, or the skin is broken or open, medical attention must be sought immediately. Also, if the burn is large enough to that you consider a remedy the size of a bag of peas you should probably get it looked at. Even a large 1st degree burn (like a sunburn but no blisters) can be problematic if it is large enough, especially on kids. Usually, oven burns cause 2nd degree burns (red with blister) which must be cooled immediately to prevent the tissue under the skin from burning more.
All of these remedies are good for healing any compromise to the skin, but mustn’t be used until the burning process is completely stopped. Generally, clean cool water/cloths are best for first 24 hrs, then thinly apply a salve or tincture.
Elizabeth
Paramedic
I am a big fan of aloe. I have been drinking the aloe drink lately as I have been unwell and it is definitely helping! Such a great healer!
Holly X