Mild burns usually require nothing more serious than the use of home remedies to relieve pain and inflammation. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends running cold water over the burn for 5 to 10 minutes immediately after it occurs. After this, try any number of home remedies to help speed healing and alleviate any lingering pain or discomfort.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel, when applied externally to mild burns, provides soothing relief, prevents scarring and speeds healing. A systematic review published in the Journal of the International Society of Burn Injuries in 2007 found that aloe vera increased the healing time of burn wounds by 8.79 days. Researchers note that aloe vera effectively heals first to second degree burns. To use at home, cut open an aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly to the burn as soon as possible after it occurs. If you don't have access to fresh aloe leaves, use store-bought aloe gel with minimal additives for the best results.
Calendula Tea
Another common home remedy for mild burns, calendula contains anti-inflammatory agents that help soothe and heal mild burns. Make calendula tea by steeping 1 tsp. dried flowers in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes, strain and allow the liquid to cool completely. Soak a clean cotton cloth in the cool tea and apply as a compress directly to the burn for the best results. You may also purchase calendula tea bags at natural health stores and prepare the tea according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil promotes healing and works best when applied topically after new skin forms. In his book "Alternative Cures," Bill Gottlieb recommends applying vitamin E oil directly to the surface of the burn, covering with gauze and taping in place, leaving the edges of the gauze loose enough so air can still get to the burn. Change the dressing once per day until the burn heals, which may take several days to over a week, depending on the severity. Gottlieb warns against applying vitamin E oil to broken skin, however, as infection may occur. If you don't have vitamin E oil in liquid form, pierce a capsule with a pin and use the oil from inside.
Apple Cider Vinegar
According to Jude C. Todd in her book "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies," apple cider vinegar prevents scars, speeds healing and relieves the pain of mild burns. Soak the burned area in a bowl of vinegar if possible or soak a clean cotton cloth in the vinegar and apply as a compress to the burned area. Once the pain subsides, dress the burn with a bandage soaked in apple cider vinegar or tape the compress in place. Change the dressing a few times per day, applying more vinegar at each application until the burn heals.
Other Home Remedies
Numerous other home remedies for mild burns exist, though they lack clinical support for their effectiveness. If you experience a burn at home, however, these remedies may provide some relief from pain and help the wound heal. Try applying a cold chamomile tea bag directly to the burn, applying a combination of 25 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 ounces each distilled water and witch hazel extract, scraping a raw potato and applying to the burn, or applying whole, plain yogurt to the affected area.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Burns
- PubMed: The Efficacy of Aloe Vera Used for Burn Wound Healing: A Systematic Review
- "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs"; Reader's Digest; 1999
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies"; Jude C. Todd; 2002
