Burns are injuries caused by the skin due to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, etc. The burns that affect just the superficial skin, are known as the first degree burns and those that penetrates the skin are known as second-degree burns.
The third-degree burn extends to the deeper layers and the underlying tissue of the skin. The fourth degree burn affect and damage the muscles and bones of a person along with the skin. Generally, the severity of the burns is determined by the area they have covered, and the damages depend on the location or depth.
Burns Signs and Symptoms
The common signs and symptoms of burns are:
- Blisters
- Redness on the skin
- Swelling
- Moistness
- Itchiness
- Pain that can range from mild to severe
- Blackening (in case of severe burn)
Causes of Burns
Burns can cause due to:
- Hot liquid
- Steam
- Friction
- Fire
- Chemicals
- Sunlight
- Some hot objects
- Radiation
- Electricity
Home Remedies for Minor Burns
- Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel has an incredible soothing and revitalizing properties that help in cooling the razor burns and sunburns. Cut an aloe Vera leaf, take its gel and apply it directly on the burned area. It will quickly soothe the painful burn. It can also heal serious burns, without leaving scars
- Honey
Placing honey directly on the affected area aids in producing fewer scars due to its great antiseptic properties.
- Lavender Essential Oil
Make a mixture from a few drops of lavender essential oil, vitamin C, vitamin E, and aloe Vera gel and apply it directly on the burn. Repeat the procedure once a day until the burn fades.
- Diluted Vinegar
Soak a clean cloth in a diluted vinegar and place the cloth on the burned area. It soothes and heals burns faster and is one of the most used first help medication in case of burns all over the world.
- Banana Peel
Applying a banana peel on the affected place until it becomes black is a truly beneficial remedy to heal burns.
- Onion
Putting a piece of onion on the affected area helps in removing pain and redness.
- Egg White
In order to get instant relief from the minor burn, beat one egg white and apply to the burned area.
- Tea Bags
Tea contains tannic acid that helps to draw heat from the burn. Just place 2-3 teabags into a cold water and dab the tea bag on the burned area, really gently.
- Vitamin E Oil
Place Vitamin E oil on the affected place. Else, crush one Vitamin E capsule, and put it on the affected area.
- Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice
Putt a few drops of lemon juice into 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply this mixture on the burn to facilitate fast curing.
Home Remedies for Razor Burns
Razor burns refer to severe cuts, shaving causes and burns. This type of burn is caused due to thick and coarse hair, and sensitive skin. However, there are numerous natural remedies that can provide relief from these burns. Here are some of the greatest remedies:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Applying a little amount of apple cider vinegar on the affected area can give an instant great relief from the burning sensation.
- Aspirin
Combine 2 uncoated aspirin tablets and 1 teaspoon of warm water. Then, apply the paste on the burned place. After a while, you will feel no pain or some burning sensation.
- Strawberry and Sour Cream
Prepare a homemade mask of 1 teaspoon of sour cream and 2 strawberries. Before you decide to eat it – apply it on the affected area. It will reduce inflammation caused by the razor burn. You can also use this mask on your face and legs right after shaving and rinse it off after 10 minutes.
- Home Made Lotion
If you frequently suffer from razor burns, you can prepare a homemade lotion that can help you. Just mix 1 tablespoon of comfrey leaves and dried calendula flowers into a 1/2 cup of witch hazel extract. Then, leave the mixture for two weeks. After that, strain it. Next, take ¼ cup of the mixture and to it, put 5-6 drops of lavender essential oil. 4-5 drops of sandalwood essential oil, ¼ cup of rose water and ¼ teaspoon vegetable glycerin. In the end, store this lotion in the fridge. You can use it in the case of razor burns or as an after-shave lotion. Shake it before usage.
- Ice Pack
In order to reduce inflammation on the skin, place ice pack or cold water on the affected place.
Home Remedies for Sunburn Relief
If you have overexposed yourself to the sun, and therefore, you are suffering from sunburn, there are some fantastic homemade remedies that can eliminate this problem.
- Cool Compress
Just put a cool compress on the affected place.
- Potatoes
Grate 2-3 potatoes and put them to the affected skin. The stiffener of potato is a marvelous sunburn relief.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Place a cup of ACV in your bathing water. It aids in balancing the pH and of the affected skin.
- Oatmeal Bath
Add some oatmeal and soak yourself in that bath. You will get an instant relief from the itchy burned skin.
- Cucumbers
Smash cucumbers and put them on the affected area. The antioxidant and analgesic properties of cucumber aid in treating the skin that is affected by sunburn
- Cold Milk
In order to relieve yourself from the unpleasant discomfort of sunburn, put cold milk on the sunburned area with the aid of a cloth or cotton.
- Baking Soda and Epsom Salt
Dissolve Epsom salt and baking soda in water and dip a clean cloth in it. Place the cloth over the sunburned area.
- Black or Green Tea
Add a cup of black or green tea into your bath water to soothe the sunburned skin, or just place the soaked teabags on the skin.
- Peppermint Oil
If your skin is not blistered, you can apply 4-5 drops of peppermint oil to the affected area.
- Cornstarch
Make a paste from cornstarch and some water. Apply this on the burned skin. Else, put cornstarch into a spray bottle with cool water. Shake the bottle and spritz it on the sunburned skin.
- Tomatoes
Just mash 1-2 tomatoes. Add the same amount of buttermilk to it. Place it on the affected skin.
- Baking Soda
Put 1-2 cups of baking soda into a Then, soak yourself in the water for about 30 minutes. Else, dissolve ¼ of baking soda in a spray bottle fill with cool water. Next, sprinkle this on the affected skin.
- Witch Hazel
You can spray witch hazel directly on the affected area to get relief.
Prevention: How to Avoid Burns?
For Razor Burns
- Use high-quality razor;
- While shaving, use correct method;
- Apply shaving cream on your skin at one minute before shaving.
- Do not forget to massage with lotion or gel, after shaving.
For Sunburns
- Avoid exposing yourself to the sun from 10 am to 4 pm because the intensity of UV rays is really high;
- Drink plenty of water;
- Apply sunscreen lotions or creams while going outside.
- When going outside wear long sleeved clothes and wide brim hat.
For Chemical Burns
- Keep the chemicals locked and out of reach of children.
- Read safety precautions and instructions to use carefully before using any chemical.
- Wear gloves and eye protection while using chemicals.
For Electrical Burns
- Use safety plugs in the outlets.
- Never touch electrical applications, especially with wet hands.
- Turn off all circuit breakers before making a repair to electric wiring.