While a burn or scald can be extremely painful, people can help to relieve the pain, reduce the burn damage, and limit the risk of infection of first- and second-degree burns by using items already in the house, in a food cupboard, or on the shelf of a local store.

There are also a variety of remedies that people should not use. Many of these do not work effectively and might even increase the possibility of an infection.

Doctors measure burns on a scale from first- to fourth-degree. People can typically treat first- and second-degree burns at home. However, a person who has third- and fourth-degree burns should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Here are some home remedies to treat your burn:

1. Running the burn under cool water

Running cool water over a first- or second-degree burn for 20 minutes can cool the skin down, soothe the burn, and prevent further injury.

This remedy has two beneficial effects. It reduces or stops the pain and also prevents the burn from worsening and damaging deeper layers of skin.

2. Bandages

A person may not need to cover minor first- or second-degree burns with a bandage if the burn blisters are not open.

However, if the position of the burn means that chafing is likely, if dirt can easily enter the skin, or if any blisters have started oozing, a bandage may provide a barrier against infection.

It is important to wrap the bandage loosely, and avoid applying sticky bandages directly onto the wound.

3 . Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a common ingredient in many creams, sunscreens, and moisturizers. Its gel form is a topical remedy for treating burns and promoting wound healing.

The aloe plant is a natural anti-inflammatory, promoting good circulation. It also has antibacterial properties that stop bacteria from growing.

4. Honey

Honey can help a person soothe burned skin. A systematic review from 2018 found that honey might provide some clinical benefit when a person applies it to burns.

Applying honey to a bandage, then placing it over the burn may help sterilize the area and prevent infection. It can also soothe burned skin, easing some of the pain.

However, the review advised that the evidence was of "limited quality".

5. Reducing sun exposure

Do your best to avoid exposing the burn to direct sunlight. The burned skin will be very sensitive to the sun. Keep it covered with clothing.

Source: Times of India
Photo Credit: New Woman India