Soothe Minor Burns

The sights and sounds of the holidays are upon us! While the holidays should be a joyous time to spend with friends and loved ones, it can also be an opportunity for burns and scalds. Burns can range from mildly annoying to downright serious.

For minor burns, there are a number of natural cures that can help provide immediate relief and aid the healing process. Luckily, most of these natural cures can be found right where they are usually needed the most – in the kitchen.

If you have a mild burn: 

• Squeeze some fresh Aloe Vera gel, taken from the inside of the fleshy leaves, onto the burn site, gently rubbing it in to until the pain subsides.

• The antibacterial properties in common honey can prevent infection.

• Mustard acts as both a pain reliever and blister reducer.

• Rub a potato slice onto the area. The starch neutralizes the burn and helps prevent scarring.

• Egg whites can take away the pain and also prevent marks and scars.

Minor burns usually heal without further treatment, though they may result in pigment changes. Sometimes the burned area becomes a different color from the surrounding skin.
Home remedies, however, are never a good option for second or third degree burns, where more than just the uppermost layer of skin damaged. For any of these burns, it's best to seek medical attention quickly to prevent serious infection.