Everyone’s favorite aloe vera makes an appearance when it comes to healing of burns. This cactus-like plant is a gift to everyone who loves their skin. This home remedy is not only good for burns but also a host of other benefits to the skin. Aloe has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and inflammation; these two are what minor burns are characterized by.
Using aloe vera for minor burns is not a new trick; it has been used since around six BC. The men of old saw sense in using aloe vera, and we will show you how to effectively use that plant in treating burns. And after this, maybe you will grow your own aloe vera plant in your garden or balcony.
What kind of burns does aloe vera treat?
Is it OK to put aloe vera on a first and second degree burn?
Some of the things that can burn your skin include the sun, heat, chemicals, electricity, friction, and even radiation. Most of the things that burn our skin we come into contact with them on a daily basis and hence the need for an effective home remedy. However, home remedies like aloe vera do not work for all types of burns because they are further categorized by how severe they are.
First and second-degree burns are considered minor. The damage does not go deep into the skin like third and fourth-degree burns, which are a medical emergency and should not be treated with aloe vera. To know whether your burn can effectively be treated at home using aloe vera the pain from the wound should be moderate. The skin will swell and become red, which is okay as aloe vera can deal with that. You can also bring out the aloe if it is a scald from hot water. Sunburns, which manifests as itchy, peeling and red patches on the skin can also be treated by aloe vera.
However, if there are blisters, charred skin, excessive pain, and whitish-yellow substance, then that is a sign of danger. That is a severe second-degree, third-degree, or even fourth-degree burn. The burn victim needs to be rushed to the ER.
How aloe vera works to treat burns?
The pain caused by a burn can be relieved using aloe vera. This is how aloe vera works to relieve pain and treat minor burns:
- The enzymes in aloe reduce inflammation.
- Aloe vera can help protect the burn wound against infections as it has antibacterial compounds.
- The enzymes in aloe vera also increase blow flow to the wound.
- Aloe vera helps with the regeneration of new skin cells thereby helping the wound to heal.
- Aloe vera prevents the formation of blisters.
- Aloe vera reduces scarring.
How to apply aloe vera for burns?
Aloe vera can come in the form of a gel, liquid, spray, capsule, cream or lotion, all of which are good for burns. The best form, however, is the aloe vera extracted directly from a fresh plant. Cut a thick leaf and wash it properly. Extract the aloe gel and directly apply it on the burn area. This fresh aloe can also be mixed with other natural products to increase its effectiveness.
When you decide to buy aloe products, make sure that it is the main ingredient. Other products that claim to have aloe vera only contain traces of it and with a lot of additives. Before using aloe vera remedy on a burn, make sure you cool off the wound first. Run cool water on the wound or use a cool compress. After cooling the area and applying aloe vera, leave it clean and uncovered.
Natural ways to use aloe vera to treat burns
Heal burn with aloe vera- home remedy
Pure aloe vera for burns
This is where you use a fresh aloe vera gel directly from the plant onto your burn. To extract the gel, cut a leaf of the plant and peel it open. Collect the gel and spread it all over your burn wound. Doing this twice a day is sufficient.
Aloe vera and coconut oil for burns
Mix about half a cup of coconut oil with some aloe vera gel to get a foamy paste. Bottle this mix and use it as a moisturizer on the wound. This mix hydrates the skin, soothes the skin, heals the skin, and rejuvenates the skin.
Aloe vera and honey for burns
Here, you would need to mix the aloe vera gel with some honey making a thick paste. Generously apply the mix on the burn wound then wash it off after a while. Honey will have a cooling effect on the wound and is also antiseptic. Try this treatment ones after two days.
Aloe vera and tea tree oil for burns
In this home remedy, you mix the aloe gel with some drops of pure tea tree oil. Add three drops of the oil to the get and mix it with your finger. Apply the mix on the burn area as you massage the skin until the gel dries. Tea tree is antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal and therefore it protects the burn wound from infection. If you are new to tea tree oil, make sure you are not allergic before using it. This mix can be used before bed.
Aloe vera and lavender oil for burns
This burn remedy requires you to mix the aloe vera gel with some lavender oils. Put the aloe gel on your hand, add some lavender oil and rub your palms. Apply the mix on the burnt area. Lavender prevents blistering and does a good job soothing the burn wound. Use this burn treatment ones in three days.
Aloe vera and vitamin E for burns
You will need some vitamin E capsules for this home remedy. Squeeze out the capsules and mix the vitamin E with aloe vera gel. After mixing apply in on the burn. This will help reduce inflammation and redness because vitamin E has antioxidants properties. Consider this every morning and every night.
Aloe vera and wheat germ oil for burns
For a remedy that reduces irritation and itching use wheat germ oil. Mix about five drops of the oil with aloe vera gel and apply it on the burn wound. Leave it there to reduce the itchiness and regenerate the skin. This wheat germ remedy can be used daily.
Aloe vera and turmeric for burns
You would need a pinch of turmeric to mix with the aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture on the burn wound and leave it to fall out by itself after it dries. This will help new skin to grow and hence heal the wound. It will also keep away bacteria, soothe the skin, and keep it moisturized. Use this burn remedy a couple of times a day.
Other home treatments for burns
How do you treat a burn at home?
So we have shown you the effectiveness of aloe vera on burn wounds. What if you don’t have aloe vera around, what other home remedies can you use to heal and treat minor burns at home? Most of the natural remedies that can be mixed with aloe vera can work very well on their own.
Run cool water on the burn
First-degree and second-degree burns can be soothed with cool water. The water can also prevent additional injury from the burn. This is usually the first step, even before you use that aloe vera.
Relieve the pain with a cool compress
Medical doctors prefer a cool compress than any other home remedy. This is simply a wet piece of cloth kept on top of the burn. The compress will do well to relieve the pain and swelling. Apply it on the intervals of 5 to 15 minutes. Remember it is a cool compress, not a cold compress, make sure the water is not extremely cold as it can further irritate the burn. Allowing cool water to run on the burn for 20 minutes will not only cool the skin but also relieve the pain and prevent the burn from getting deeper and affecting other layers of the skin.
Properly clean the burn, you can do this before using the aloe vera
Cleaning the burn with a gentle antibacterial soap is essential. This will prevent infection. An infected burn can be a complication and will require medical care.
Does honey help burns?
There are honey bandages that prevent infection by sterilizing a burn. The same also relieves the pain associated with burns by soothing the skin. All this is possible because of the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics of honey.
Use some antibiotics on your burn
Antibiotic ointments and creams can be used on burns with open blisters. These ointments help prevent infection in the open wound and also accelerates the healing process.
Can vinegar help with a burn?
The acetic acid found in vinegar can relieve pain, inflammation, and itchiness from a burn. It will also protect the burn from infection as it has astringent and antiseptic properties. It is a component of aspirin. Alternatively, you can make a vinegar compress. This will draw out the heat reducing the pain in the burn.
Using oats to treat a burn
When it comes to itchy burns, using oats can be very beneficial. Oats will soothe the skin and help reduce inflammation. Considering the negative effects of scratching a burn, you should try this. Soak in an oat bath for 20 minutes. To prepare the oat bath, mix some oats in the bath water. You can add some baking soda as well; it will help with the inflammation. For smaller irritations, soak the area in a bowl of similar mixture. After you are done, do not dry with a towel, it will remove the remaining thin layer of oats. Let it dry on its own.
Vanilla extracts for minor burns
There are some recommendations that suggest using vanilla extracts to relieve the pain. The idea is that the evaporating alcohol in vanilla will soothe the burn and cool it. This will reduce the pain. Simply dab some vanilla on the would using a cotton ball.
Do not pop burn blisters
Popping away those fluid-filled sacks resulting from burns can be very tempting. This will, however, lead to an infection, especially if the person popping it is not a doctor. You can let the burn blister be or visit a pro.
Some burns may need bandages
Burns that are in areas that can easily get dirt or rub with other parts need to be bandaged. This will reduce the risk of a fracture and hence infection. The same applies to blisters that are oozing. It is important not to ties the bandage too tight. And also, the stick part of the bandage should not touch the actual wound.In most cases, however, the minor burns and burn blisters do not require a bandage.
Keep the burn shaded from direct sunlight
Try to avoid the sun when healing from a burn. This will prevent the risk of worsening the burn and also reduce the pain. If you cannot stay away from the sun altogether, wear loose clothes that cover the area.
Using black tea bags to treat a burn
The tannic acid in black tea can be useful in extracting heat from a burn thereby cooling it off and relieving pain. Simply place a couple of wet black tea bags on the wound and let them draw the heat.
Using milk to treat a burn
Milk can potentially soothe burn wounds. The proteins and fat in milk will promote healing and relieve the pain. Simply deep the burn in milk and leave it for 15 minutes. Whole milk, full-fat, and yogurt can all work the same way.
Using vitamin C and vitamin E to treat a burn
Vitamin C plays a part in the synthesis of collagen thereby promoting the healing of wounds. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is an antioxidant, which means it can as well help with skin repair. Eating foods rich in such vitamins will help speed up the healing of burns.
Conclusion on using aloe vera on a burn
One of the most effective DIY care for a burn is the use of pure aloe vera. This plant can be grown and extracted at home. In its purest form, it is free from harmful additives that can cause trouble. You can also mix the pure gel with other natural remedies for an added advantage. Before rushing for a cosmetic product, try pure aloe vera on that minor burn.
