Home remedies for burns can help reduce the pain and inflammation brought on by burns.
In some cases, the remedies can also promote healing.
This article explains the difference betweenfirst-, second-, and third-degree burnsand lists three natural burn remedies to consider.
Anthony Rosenberg / Getty Images
Types of Burns
First- and second-degree burns are considered minor burns.
Natural burn remedies are best suited for treating first- and second-degree burns.
Any of these remedies (especially honey) should not be applied to children with burns.
Children who have any punch in of burn should be seen at urgent care or an emergency department.
Do this for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain subsides.
Aloe Vera
Aloe verahas long been used to speed up the healing of first- and second-degree burns.
Honey
Several studies show that applying honey to burned skin may helppromote healingand reduce inflammation.
The sugar in honey may also dry up bacteria.
Skip the phone call and buy a jar ofmanuka honey.
The difference is that marigolds are members of theTagetesgenus while calendula belongs to theCalendulagenus.
Calendula is often used in ointments, salves, and soaps as a soothing skin treatment.
However, more research needs to be done before calendula is confirmed as an effective burn remedy.
Read the package label for dosage information.
Applying petroleum jelly to a first- or second-degree burn may help the healing process.
Some burns should be treated by medical professionals only.
Summary
To the layman’s eye, any jot down of burn may look serious.
But it pays to know the difference between first-, second-, and third-degree burns.
Recognizing third-degree burns is especially important because the long-term consequences of delaying treatment can be serious.
Evidence exists to support the use of each one.
But before you reach for honey, call your healthcare provider.
The ingredients in some processed honey may interfere with its healing properties.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Burns and wounds.
2015;19:243. doi:10.1186/s13054-015-0961-2
MedlinePlus.Minor burns - aftercare.
1995 Aug;78(8):403-9.
North Carolina Plant Toolbox.Aloe vera.
Zbuchea A.Up-to-date use of honey for burns treatment.Ann Burns Fire Disasters.
2014 Mar 31;27(1):22-30.
PMID: 25249844
Science Focus.Can you use honey to treat a burn?
Gardening Know How.Marigold vs. calendula difference between marigolds and calendulas.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Burn injuries: what you should know.
