First Degree Burns Cure

First degree burns are one of the most common burns. If you have ever had a sunburn, sloshed hot coffee on your hand, or got rug burn, you have experienced this type. These burns affect only the top layer of skin, the epidermis. The skin will appear pink or red, blanching when touched, and will be tender.

If skin has blistering or charring, this indicates a more severe burn such as second or third degree burns. These should not be treated at home. Instead, the burned individual should be taken for immediate medical assistance.

Most minor burns can easily be treated at home. Your initial treatment of first degree burns should include cooling the area. This can be done by simply running cool water over the area. This will serve a dual purpose of soothing the area and preventing further damage.

Aloe is a well-known burn treatment that has been used for thousands of years. If you have an aloe plant in your home or garden, simply snip one of the leaves, peel, and apply the inner gel to skin. Otherwise, you can purchase a bottle of 100% aloe. Many people keep a bottle in their refrigerator for added cooling power. The aloe will not only soothe the burn, but also helps speed healing. For those that want the healing power of aloe combined with pain relief, there are products that contain a small amount of lidocaine, which numbs the skin.

Many people regard the use of milk on first degree burns to be an old wives' tale. However, even dermatologists recommend it. The lactic acid found in milk helps reduce skin irritation caused by the burn. To use, just soak a cloth or piece of gauze in cool, but not cold, milk and apply to skin. For larger areas, powdered milk can be added to a lukewarm bath.

If you have marigolds, sometimes referred to a calendula, in your garden, they can also provide relief from burns. In studies, it was found to improve healing time, reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Flowers can be applied directly to skin or used to make an infusion to bathe the skin. Calendula cream can also be purchased. This treatment is not advisable for everyone, however. It should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing, individuals allergic to flowers in the daisy family, or young children.

Pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be taken if pain is persistent. For those who prefer to treat their first degree burns with more natural means, homeopathic hypericum, better known as St. John's wort, can bring relief. It can be taken as pellets that dissolve on the tongue or can sometimes be found in healing ointments or creams.

These are only a few of the treatments that can be used on a burn. Within just a few days, the redness and tenderness should reduce significantly. If the burn persists beyond a few days, covers a large area or is on an infant or small child, medical assistance should be sought. Top