How To Heal Burns

Burns are scary, plain and simple. They happen fast and cause immediate pain. It is also an injury that needs to be treated immediately, yet so many people are clueless when it comes to soothing the discomfort and preventing damage. Most think, well since burns occur from extreme heat then I should probably use something extremely cold. That couldn’t be more wrong! Ice may feel good once it touches the burn but it stops blood flow to the skin which could make matters much worse. Luckily, there are a few at home tricks right in your bathroom cabinet and kitchen pantry, that can help ease the pain and prevent major damage. So read up on how to heal burns and remember the information.

Water

Though water as a way to heal burns is often done incorrectly, when it is used right, water is very effective. The key is to place the burn under room temperature or cold running water for at least 20 minutes. Just like you should never apply ice, you should also never use freezing cold water. The room temperature water will not only soothe the pain but prevent the injury from spreading. This is one of the many great ways for how to heal burns.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the most well-known remedies for first degree burns. If you happen to have an aloe plant, cut a few leaves and extract the gel. Apply the gel directly on the affected areas. This will soothe pain and inflammation, reduce swelling, and stimulate skin repair and growth. However, you don't have to have an aloe plant on hand as a way to heal burns. Aloe is sold in stores and is a great product to have under the bathroom sink, should an accident occur.

Lavender

In come the essential oils once again. Seriously, is there anything EOs can’t do? Lavender is claimed to be one of the best techniques when wondering how to heal burns. All you have to do is apply a small amount of lavender essential oil directly to the burn. You can also mix lavender oil with aloe vera gel or honey, it's not a bad idea to have these on hand.

White Mint Toothpaste

Not only is white mint toothpaste great for your pearly whites but it can also alleviate minor burns like from a candle, splatter, or hot pot. First run your burn under semi-cold water for 20 minutes, gently pat dry, and lastly apply a thin layer of the paste on top. So throw a small tube in your kitchen drawer just in case!

From Your Kitchen

Some of these may surprise you, they certainly did me. Items such as yogurt, egg whites, onion, honey, and milk can all be useful if you do not know how to heal burns. For yogurt, apply to the effected area and leave it on for 20 minutes. With an onion, all you must do is cut and place a piece over the burnt area, just try not to cry. For milk, dip the burn and keep it submerged for about 15 minutes. Honey is also very popular and should be layered over the injury and bandaged. Lastly, egg whites, while you may not want to beat an egg white in the midst of your pain, they say by doing so and applying to the burn can help tremendously.

Tea Bags

Tea is one of those miracle remedies for many conditions and minor burns are one of them. Black tea contains tannic acid which is effective when wondering how to heal burns. Place two or three cool, wet black tea bags on the burns, and find something to hold the bags in place like gauze or soft bandage.

Vinegar

Similar to tea, white vinegar is great for people who are not aware of how to heal burns. It contains acetic acid, which is used in aspirin to relieve pain, itching, and inflammation. It is also an antiseptic and astringent and will keep the burns clean and from infection. Soak paper towels in diluted white vinegar to create a compress or just dab the burns gently.

Oats

Oats can be very helpful when unsure on how to heal burns. They have major skin-soothing properties and are especially useful when burns are healing and itchy. For smaller burns, add some oats to a small bowl of water and soak the area. For larger burns add a cup of oats to bath water and soak for 20 minutes to soothe a large burn. The key is to air dry your skin so a thin layer of oats remains. This will help with the desire to scratch.