Home remedies to soothe burns

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Allow burns to heal naturally and avoid popping blisters  (Photo: Shutterstock)

Getting a burn when you least expected it is common. It can occur if you spill a hot drink on yourself mistakenly or touch a hot surface. These accidents can be treated at home with ease. However, burns come in different degrees. First and second degrees don't penetrate the skin too much. Any burn that affects a widespread area more than 3 inches in diameter or one that the burn in the face, hands, buttocks, or groin area needs immediate medical attention.

Cool water

Immediately after your burn, you should run cool water on the area for at least five minutes. It helps to cool the heat on the burn. Ensure that the water isn't cold as this could scald the area further.

Honey

This natural food has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Spreading it over a burn will soothe the burnt area easily.

Aloe Vera

If there's one plant that is greatly used in the cosmetic industry, it's aloe vera. This super plant can be used to soothe a burn. Apply the gel from a fresh stem onto the burn for relief. 

Honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties (Photo: Shutterstock)

Take pain killers

After a burn, you'll be in a nagging pain. This can be brought down by using some pain killers. They may not lower the pain fully, but promise to relieve many other symptoms.

Cold press

When you use a cool press instead of a very cold one, you're saving your skin from forming scars. Make one by dipping a cloth in cool water and pressing it gently on the affected area. 

Avoid popping the blisters

Depending on the type of burn, it will form a blister. This can become itchy making it tempting to scratch. Avoid scratching or popping the blisters though. Popping them creates an open wound through which bacteria can enter the body and lead to infection.