What is the Best Home Remedy for a Bad Burn?

The best first step for treating a minor burn is to immediately run it under cool (not cold) water for about 20 minutes. This helps to cool the burn and reduce pain and swelling.

Effective Home Remedies for Minor Burns

Several home remedies can aid in the healing process of minor burns (first and second-degree). Always seek medical attention for severe burns (third-degree burns).

• Cool Water: Immediately immerse the burn in cool running water for 10-20 minutes. This is the most crucial first aid step. ^{1, 4, 5, 10}
• Cool Compresses: After the initial water treatment, applying cool, damp compresses can provide continued soothing relief. ^{2, 7}
• Aloe Vera: This natural remedy is well-known for its soothing and healing properties. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the affected area. ⁴
• Honey: Honey possesses antibacterial properties and can help promote healing. Apply a thin layer to the clean burn. ⁵
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers: Pain relief can be achieved with ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage discomfort. ⁸
• Antibiotic Ointments: A thin layer of antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection, but only after the burn has been thoroughly cleaned. ³

Important Considerations

• Avoid: Applying ice directly to the burn, butter, toothpaste, or other home remedies not specifically mentioned above.
• Blisters: Do not break or pop blisters; they help protect the burn from infection. ⁷
• Sun Exposure: Protect the burned area from direct sunlight to prevent further damage and promote healing. ⁶
• Medical Attention: Seek professional medical advice for severe burns, burns covering a large area, burns with blisters larger than 1 inch, burns involving joints, deep burns, or burns showing signs of infection (increased pain, redness, swelling, pus).

Conclusion

Following these steps and using the suggested home remedies can effectively manage minor burns and promote healing. Remember to always prioritize safety and seek medical help when necessary.

References:

1. Cool water. ...
2. Cool compresses. ...
3. Antibiotic ointments. ...
4. Aloe vera. ...
5. Honey. ...
6. Reducing sun exposure. ...
7. Don't pop your blisters. ...
8. Take an OTC pain reliever.