A first degree burn is extremely uncomfortable and begs immediate attention. Additionally, a 1st degree burn runs the risk of developing into an infection and more serious consequences. We are going to present you with 15 home remedies o treat a 1st degree burn, but before we do, let’s define the characteristics of a first degree burn.
First-degree burns are considered superficial in nature and only affect outer layer of skin, or the epidermis. The site of the burn is typically red, painful, dry, but doesn’t include blisters. Sunburn and snow burn are common examples, but other examples might include flash burns or touch burns. It is rare for there to be any long-term tissue damage, but if not treated properly you can risk more serious complications.
These 15 home remedies to treat a 1st degree burn will bring relief, but they are not all inclusive and aren’t necessarily effective on more severe burns. Severe burns need the attention of a health care professional.
One of the best and most readily available treatments for a 1st degree burn is onion juice.
What to do:
How it works:
Onions have sulfur compounds and quercetin, which not only bring pain relief, but also reduce the chance of blistering and infection.
You can gain relief for a 1st degree burn from black tea bags.
What to do:
How it works:
The tannic acid in black tea helps to relieve pain and draw the heat and any potential infection away from the burn.
This one Might sting a little, but apple cider vinegar is another great treatment for a 1st degree burn.
What to do:
How it works:
Apple cider vinegar has both antibacterial properties and astringent properties which will help soothe the pain and prevent infection.
The gel from the aloe vera plant is probably the fastest acting and most common treatment for a 1st degree burn.
What to do:
How it works:
Aloe vera’s soothing comes from its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, which are well known and highly effective.
The gel inside of a vitamin E capsule is a really good way to relieve the sting of a 1st degree burn and it has some awesome healing properties to boot.
What to do:
How it works:
Vitamin E is best known for repairing and restoring tissue and skin, but it can also bring sweet relief to a burn.
Itching from a 1st degree burn can be treated with an oatmeal bath.
What to do:
How it works:
Oatmeal is another trusted ingredient in a lot of skin and tissue formulas, it contains avenanthramides and phenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and act as an anti-histamine.
It probably isn’t the first thing you think of for treating a 1st degree burn, but soy sauce really does work.
What to do:
How it works:
The isoflavins in soy beans have anti-inflammatory properties, additionally, the sodium content of soy sauce tends to help relieve the pain of a burn.
Yogurt is another odd addition to our list, but is still quite effective in the treatment of a 1st degree burn.
What to do:
How it works:
Yogurt not only cools and soothes a burn, but it also helps balance the acidity of the skin to help it heal faster.
This is an old-fashioned ingredient used to treat a 1st degree burn, of which you might not be aware.
What to do:
How it works:
A few decades ago, calendula was added into butter in order to make it yellow. It is because of the calendula’s anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties that housewives were told to put butter on a burn.
Believe it or not, a raw potato can help treat a 1st degree burn.
What to do:
How it works:
Potatoes, like onions and oatmeal have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties to soothe the pain and promote healing.
Lavender essential oil is another treatment to consider for a 1st degree burn. You can relieve the discomfort and disinfect too.
What to do:
How it works:
Lavender soothes the sting and itching of a burn and can also help to keep the area from becoming infected.
As simple and odd as it sounds, a banana peel is another great way to treat a 1st degree burn.
What to do:
How it works:
A powerful antioxidant, lutein, found in bananas, works as a soothing anti-inflammatory treatment.
The sweetest treatment for a 1st degree burn that you’re ever going to find is honey.
What to do:
Smear honey on a gauze bandage and place it over the affected area.
How it works:
Honey is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory with the additional benefit of reducing the chance of developing hypertrophic scarring on the affected area.
Coconut oil is very effect when it is applied to a 1st degree burn or when used a an oil base for other remedies.
What to do:
How it works:
Coconut oil includes several antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, such as vitamin E, lauric and capric acid.
A mixture of turmeric and mustard oil winds up our list of treatments for a 1st degree burn.
What to do:
How it works:
The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of curcumin, present in turmeric, when combined with mustard oil bring complete pain relief to a burn as well as help it to heal.
Preventing 1st degree burn is always most desirable, but if and when they happen, you can make use of any one or a number of these 15 home remedies to treat a 1st degree burn. Each of them will not only relieve the discomfort, but can also protect the area from getting infected and speed the healing process. If you have comments concerning the remedies listed here or have others that you’d like to add, please don’t hesitate to comment below.
Images from depositphotos.com.
