What are Burns?
Burn is an injury caused to the skin due to radiation, heat, electricity, chemicals, etc. The burns, which affects only the superficial skin, are called the first degree burns and those, which penetrates under the skin are called as second-degree burns. The third degree burn extends to the deeper layer and the underlying tissues of the skin. The fourth degree burn affects and damages the bones and muscles of a person along with the skin. The severity of the burn is determined by the area it has covered, and the damage depends on the depth or location.
Signs and Symptoms of the Burn
The common symptoms and signs of burn are:
- Redness on the skin
- Blisters
- Pain that may range from mild to severe
- Moistness
- Swelling
- Blackening, in case of severe burns
- Itchiness
Causes of Burn
Burns may cause due to:
- Fire
- Hot liquids
- Steam
- Chemicals
- Friction
- Any hot object
- Electricity
- Sunlight
- Radiation
Home Remedies for Minor Burn Relief
1. Honey
Applying raw honey directly on the burned area helps in producing fewer scars because of its antiseptic properties.
2. Aloe Vera Gel
The soothing and rejuvenating properties of aloe vera gel helps in cooling the sun burns and razor burns. Direct application of fresh aloe vera gel quickly soothes painful burns and even heals serious burns, without leaving any scar.
3. Diluted Vinegar
Cover the burned area with a cloth, soaked in diluted vinegar. It heals and soothes burns faster and is one of the widely accepted first aid medication in cases of burns.
4. Banana Peel
Putting a banana peel on the burned area till it becomes black is a beneficial remedy to cure burns.
5. Diluted Lavender Oil
A combination of lavender oil, aloe vera gel, vitamin C, and vitamin E can be applied daily to reduce the pain in the burns.
6. Egg White
To get relief from minor burns, beat the egg white and then, apply to the burned skin. It provides instant relief.
7. Onion
Placing a piece of onion on the burned area helps in removing redness and pain.
8. Tea Bags
The tannic acid present in the tea draw heat from burn. Put 2-3 teabags in cold water and dab the tea with cotton on the burned skin, gently.
9. Lemon Juice and Coconut Oil
Mix a few drops of lemon juice in coconut oil. Apply this mixture on the burns to facilitate fast healing.
10. Vitamin E Oil
Use Vitamin E oil on the burned area. Else, take a Vitamin E capsule, crush it and apply on the affected area.
Remedies for Razor Burn
Shaving causes severe cuts and eventually, burns. Razor burn is caused due to sensitive skin, thick and coarse hair. However, there are various natural remedies that can provide relief from the razor burns.
1. Aspirin
Mix a teaspoon of warm water with two uncoated aspirin tablets and apply the paste on the razor burn. After a while, you will feel no burning sensation.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Rubbing of apple cider vinegar on the affected area can also give an instant relief from razor burns.
3. Strawberry and Sour Cream
A homemade mask of 2 strawberries and 1 teaspoon of sour cream can also be applied to reduce inflammation, caused due to razor burns. Simply, add mashed strawberries with one tsp of sour cream and apply it on the face and legs after shaving. Wash it after ten minutes.
5. Ice Pack
To pacify inflammation on the skin, apply cold water or ice pack.
6. Home Made Lotion
Mix 1 tbsp of dried calendula flowers and comfrey leaves in half cup of witch hazel extract. Leave it for 2 weeks. Then, strain it. Now, take ¼ cup of this solution and to it, add 4-5 drops of sandalwood essential oil, 4-5 drops of lavender essential oil, ¼ tsp vegetable glycerine and ¼ cup of rose water. Store this solution in a cool place. Use it as after-shave lotion. Don’t forget to shake it before use.
Home Remedies for Sunburn Relief
If you have over exposed your skin to the sun, eventually suffering with sunburn, there are certain homemade remedies that can relieve you with the problem.
1. Cool Compress
Apply a cool compress on the affected area.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Add a cup of apple cider vinegar in your bathing water. It helps in balancing the pH of the sunburned skin.
3. Potatoes
Grate potatoes and apply them to the sunburned skin. The starch of potato is an excellent homemade sunburn relief.
4. Oatmeal Bath
Soak yourself in an oatmeal bath for getting an instant relief from the itchy sunburned skin.
5. Cold Milk
To ease yourself from the discomfort of sunburn, apply cold milk on the affected area with the help of a cotton or cloth.
6. Cucumbers
Mash cucumbers and apply them on the sunburned area. The analgesic and antioxidant properties of cucumber help in treating the skin, affected by sunburn.
7. Epsom Salt and Baking Soda
Dissolve baking soda and Epsom salt in water and damp a clean cloth in it. Drape the cloth over the burned area.
8. Peppermint Oil
As long as the skin is not blistered, apply peppermint oil to the sunburned skin.
9. Black or Green Tea
To soothe burned skin, add green or black tea in the bath water or pat the skin with soaked teabags.
10. Baking Soda
Dissolve 1-2 cups of baking soda in cool bath water. Soak yourself in this water for half-an hour. Else, fill cool water in a spray bottle. Dissolve ¼ cup of baking soda in it. Sprinkle it on the skin.
11. Cornstarch
Add water to cornstarch to prepare a paste. Apply this paste on the burned skin. Alternatively, take cool water in a spray bottle and mix cornstarch in it. Spritz it on the affected skin.
12. Witch Hazel
Spray some witch hazel directly on the burned skin to get relief.
13. Tomatoes
Mash a tomato. Add an equal quantity of buttermilk to it. Apply it on the sunburned skin.
Tips for Instant Burn Relief
When somebody suffers from burn due to any cause, there are various first-aids that should be provided immediately to the sufferer for an instant burn relief.
- Place the affected area immediately under water. Remember not to use very cold water. Rinse the affected area with water at room temperature.
- Remove any sort of clothing, ornaments or jewellery from the affected area, without delay.
- To avoid the skin from drying up and alleviating the discomfort, apply some anaesthetic lotion to the burned area.
- Take an over-the counter medication, if the pain is unbearable.
- Avoid touching or breaking the blisters.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Burns
For Razor Burns
- While shaving, use correct technique.
- Use high quality razors.
- Apply shaving cream at least one minute before shaving.
- Don’t forget to massage with gel or lotion, after shaving.
For Sunburns
- Between 10 am and 4 pm, the intensity of UV rays is very high. So, avoid stepping out during this time.
- Apply sunscreen creams or lotions while going outside.
- Wear a wide brim hat and long sleeved clothes.
- Drink more water.
For Electrical Burns
- Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands.
- Use safety plugs in all outlets.
- Before making repair to electric wiring, turn off circuit breakers.
For Chemical Burns
- Keep the chemicals locked in cabinets and out of reach of children.
- Before using any chemical, read safety precautions and directions to use carefully.
- Wear eye protection and gloves while using chemicals.