It's important to know when a burn can be treated at home and when you need to seek medical attention. You should seek help from a doctor if you feel that things are getting worse.
You can read an article on how to deal with all cases of burns.
Here are the best and worst home remedies for burns offered by board-certified dermatologists of the American Academy of Dermatology [s].
The best home burn treatments
Mild burns usually take about a week or two to fully heal and do not usually cause scarring.
The goal of burn treatment is to reduce pain, prevent infections, and heal the skin faster.
1. Cold water
The first thing to do when you have a minor burn is to run cold (not cold) water over the burn area for about 20 minutes.
Then wash the burned area with mild soap and water.
2. Cold compresses
Applying a cold compress or a clean damp cloth over the burn area helps reduce pain and swelling.
You can apply the compress at intervals of 5 to 15 minutes. Try not to use very cold compresses, as they may irritate the burn more.
3. Antibiotic ointments
Antibiotic ointments and creams help prevent infection.
Apply an antibacterial ointment to the burn and cover it with cling film, a bandage, or a sterile non-drowsy cloth.
4. Use aloe vera
Aloe vera is often described as a "burning plant". Studies show that aloe vera is effective in healing first- to second-degree burns [s].
Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, promotes blood circulation, and prevents bacterial growth. Apply a layer of pure aloe vera gel taken from the leaves of the aloe vera plant directly on the affected area.
If you buy aloe vera from a store, make sure it contains a high percentage of aloe vera. Avoid products that contain additives, especially colorants and perfumes.
5. Honey
Honey became sweeter. Aside from its delicious taste, honey may help heal minor burns when applied topically.
Honey is an anti-inflammatory, natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal [s].
6. Reduce sun exposure
Do your best to avoid exposing the burn to direct sunlight. Burned skin will be very sensitive to the sun. Keep it covered with clothes.
7. Don't pop blisters
It may be tempting, leave the blisters alone. Exploding blisters on your own can lead to infection.
If you are concerned about blisters that have formed due to a burn, see a medical professional.
8. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
If you feel pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Be sure to read the label for the correct dose.
See: 6 Tips to Reduce the Scar at Home
Worst home burn treatments
Weird home remedies and old tales for treating burns are widespread, but not everything your grandmother tells you to do is good for you.
The following common home burn treatments should be avoided:
1. Butter
Do not use butter on the burn. There is little evidence to support the effectiveness of butter as a burn treatment.
On top of that, it may make the burn worse. Butter retains heat and may also contain harmful bacteria that can infect burned skin. Save butter for your bread.
2. Oils
Contrary to popular belief, coconut oil does not cure everything. For the same reason you can't use butter on burns, oils, such as coconut oil, olive oil, and cooking oils, retain heat and can cause the skin to continue to burn.
Lavender oil has been reported to help heal burns, but there is little published evidence to support this claim. Studies in mice, for example, have shown no benefit from using lavender oil to treat burns [s].
3. Egg white
Another story, uncooked egg whites carry a risk of bacterial infection and should not be placed on a burn.
Eggs can also cause an allergic reaction.
4. Toothpaste
Never put toothpaste on a burn. This is another folk tale that there is no evidence to support.
Toothpaste can irritate the burn and create an environment more conducive to infection. Plus, it's not sterile.
5. Snow
Ice and very cold water can irritate the burn area further.
Ice may also cause a hail burn if used incorrectly.
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