You can use natural burn remedies as an initial treatment when you have minor burns. Burns can occur due to hot oil splashes, exposed to motorcycle exhaust, or too long exposure to the sun.
Based on the severity, burns are divided into 3 levels, namely mild, moderate, and severe burns. The degree of burn will determine the type of treatment performed.
2nd and 3rd degree burns should be treated immediately by a doctor at the nearest hospital. However, first-degree burns sometimes need to be treated by a doctor if the burned area is large enough.
Minor Burn Treatment
Because it only causes minor damage to the outer skin or epidermis, first-degree burns or minor burns can be treated with the following natural burn remedies:
cool water
The first thing to do when your skin is burned is to wash it with cool water (not very cold ice water) for 10–20 minutes until the stinging sensation from the burn is less severe.
In addition to washing the burn with cool water, you can also apply a cold compress to the burn for 5–15 minutes with a small towel or cloth wrapped in ice. Keep in mind that you shouldn't use cold water to compress your skin too often, as this can make irritation worse.
Aloe vera
This one plant has substances that function as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and can stimulate wound healing while moisturizing the skin.
There are even various studies that show that gels or ointments containing aloe vera extract are considered effective in treating burns. Therefore, it is not wrong if aloe vera is often used as a natural burn remedy.
To heal burns, it is recommended to apply real aloe vera gel directly to the burned area. If you use artificial aloe products, choose products with a high percentage of aloe vera content.
In addition, avoid aloe vera products that contain additional ingredients, such as dyes and perfumes, because they can sting the skin and cause irritation.
Honey
With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal content in it, honey is believed to be a natural burn remedy.
A study shows that honey is indeed useful for treating minor burns and helping the process of healing burns faster. However, this still requires further evidence and research.
In addition to the natural burn remedies above, you can also use medications to treat minor burns, such as antibiotic ointment. The trick is to apply the ointment to the burned skin and cover it with sterile gauze or as directed by a doctor.
If necessary, you can relieve pain and soreness on the skin from minor burns by taking pain relievers, such as paracetamol, which are over-the-counter at drugstores or pharmacies.
Things to Avoid in Treating Burns
There is one thing you need to know first. Do not easily believe what people say that burns can heal if you apply this or that if it has not been scientifically proven.
If you carelessly apply something to a burn, instead of healing, the burn will actually get worse.
The following are some taboos for treating burns that you need to know:
- Do not apply toothpaste to burned skin, as this can irritate the skin and increase infection.
- Do not apply oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, and cooking oil. The oil retains heat and keeps the skin burning.
- Do not apply egg whites because it can cause bacterial infections and allergic reactions.
- Do not crack blisters and blisters, as this can lead to infection.
- Do not apply butter or margarine to the burn because it can cause infection.
- Do not remove sticky clothes. If clothing gets stuck on burned skin, do not remove it immediately and see a doctor immediately.
- Do not place ice directly on the burned skin. This will only make the wound worse.
- Avoid sun exposure. Burnt skin will be very sensitive to sunlight. So, do not expose the burn to direct sunlight.
Minor burns can indeed be treated at home with natural burn remedies. However, call your doctor right away if the burn doesn't heal within a few weeks, large blisters appear on the skin, fluid comes out of the wound, or you have signs of infection such as fever, pus, and a bad smell in the wound.