Between one and two million Americans seek medical attention for burns each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Most of these injuries consist of first-degree burns that affect only the outer layer of skin and cause pain, inflammation and redness. Even minor burns, however, can cause serious complications if not treated properly. While most small burns require nothing more than home remedies, you should consult your doctor immediately if the area becomes infected or does not improve in a few days.
Aloe
Applied topically three to four times a day, aloe may help ease pain and speed healing of small burns, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A study published in 2007 in Burns, the journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries, found that burns treated with aloe vera healed almost nine days faster than untreated burns. Researchers noted that aloe vera might be an effective intervention used in burn wound healing for first to second degree burns.
For the best results, apply fresh aloe gel directly to the burn. If you don't have access to a live aloe vera plant, purchase a commercial aloe gel with minimal additives.
Honey
In his book "Earl Mindell's New Herb Bible," herbalist Earl Mindell recommends the use of honey for treating minor burns. Honey contains antioxidants that expedite the healing process of small burns and wounds. A review published in the 2007 edition of the New Zealand Medical Journal found that unprocessed honey applied to burns and covered with sterile gauze showed significantly greater efficacy than other treatments, including silver sulphadiazine, a traditional topical burn treatment.
For the best results, apply a layer of raw honey directly to the affected area, cover with gauze, and tape in place. Change the dressing two or three times per day until the burn heals.
Calendula
Cream made from calendula flowers may help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as decrease the healing time of small burns, according to "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs."
Purchase a cream standardized to contain two percent calendula, and apply it daily according to the label instructions. You can also make your own calendula cream at home. Melt one tbsp. lanolin in a small saucepan. Add 1/2 cup calendula olive oil and 1/8 cup beeswax, and then heat on low until melted. Add two tbsp. fresh calendula flowers to the mixture, remove from the heat, and allow to sit overnight. In the morning, place over low heat and melt again, remove the calendula flowers, and strain the mixture into a glass storage jar. Apply to small burns and minor wounds as needed. Store the excess in a cool, dark place.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E oil may promote healing of small burns and reduce scarring, according to "Alternative Cures."
Apply vitamin E oil directly to the surface of the burn as soon as possible after it occurs for the best results. If you don't have vitamin E oil on hand, pierce a vitamin E oil capsule with a pin and use the oil from inside. Cover the oil with gauze and tape in place, leaving the edges loose enough to allow air to flow over the wound. Change the dressing once a day until the burn heals completely.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Burns
- PubMed.gov: The Efficacy of Aloe Vera Used for Burn Wound Healing: A Systematic Review
- PubMed.gov: Honey in the Treatment of Burns: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of its Efficacy
- "Earl Mindell's New Herb Bible"; Earl Mindell; 2000
- "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs"; Reader's Digest Association; 1999
