Minor burns typically fall under the first and second degree category (affecting only the epidermis and the dermis), a condition where home remedies for burns can offer relief. When met with a minor burn emergency the following steps can be taken to soothe the pain and avoid complications.

This is what one should do seconds after a burn injury:

Stop the burn from spreading: Douse burned area with water to minimize damage. This remedy will immediately stop the burn from spreading. The process involves running cool tap water over the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes. The idea is to drastically lower the temperature of the area. Do not use ice directly over the burn since it could restrict blood flow and cause further damage to delicate tissues.

Wash the burn: Use mild soap while cool tap water is running over the injury. Gently clean the wound of any loose bits of debris or foreign matter. Leave blisters intact.

Soothe the burn: There are lots of DIY burn treatments in the home. Most are found in the kitchen cupboard. Pick any of the following:

Raw potato: Cut a slice and directly place over the injury. The anti-irritating and soothing properties of potato heal and reduce pain, while also minimizing the chance for skin blisters to appear.

Aloe Vera: Cut a piece of Aloe Vera leaf and squeeze the gel directly over the affected area. The pain-killing, astringent and healing properties of Aloe Vera will do wonders to the injury. In the absence of a live Aloe Vera plant, a cream with aloe as ingredient can serve as substitute.

Honey: It has properties that draw fluids out of the affected area when applied to burns. Plus it effectively disinfects and literally helps in the healing process of wounds.

Wet black tea bags: The presence of tannic acid in tea helps draw out heat from a burn in order to reduce pain. Soak tea bags in cool water and apply it over the burn.

Egg whites: Is the most popular and really effective treatment for burns. Even in major burn injuries, the application of egg whites is found to help reduce complications. Break an egg, apply or if possible soak the injured part for a few minutes.



The list of DIY burn treatment is long and possibly never ending. Some use coconut oil, lemon, baking soda, milk, oatmeal, vinegar and so on.

Apply cover: It is best to wrap a burn with sterile gauze bandage to avoid deadly infections. But cover must be loose to avoid putting too much pressure on the area.

Pain relievers: Should pain persist on the burn injury taking in pain relievers is an option. Sift through your medical supplies because most often it include over the counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen.

Remember your home has numerous remedies for burns which could help in any minor burn emergency. For the more severe burns (third degree) you just have to call 911 and seek professional medical help.