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What are the Best Tips for First-Degree Burn Treatment?

Tara Barnett
Tara Barnett

First-degree burns usually require no more treatment than can be provided at home. In fact, first-degree burn treatment can be as simple as waiting for the burn to heal naturally. Given that this type of burn is usually painful, pain relievers can be applied to the surface of the burn. Generally, keeping the burn clean and free of pain is enough to help it heal naturally.

There are some steps that can be taken immediately after receiving a burn that can help promote healing. Holding the burn under cold running water for several minutes or until the pain subsides can be a good measure to take. Covering the burn with a gauze bandage can also help. It is not a good idea to put butter or ice on a burn. In fact, all urban legend treatments for burns should be avoided.

The first three degrees of burns.
The first three degrees of burns.

Usually, first-degree burn treatment is a simple matter of applying substances to the burn that will reduce pain and promote healing. Aloe vera and other topical treatments can usually reduce pain to a tolerable level. If the burn is particularly painful, either due to its location or the size of the burn, acetaminophen can be taken to reduce the pain of the burn. It is important to reduce pain to a comfortable level to prevent a person from picking at the burn or otherwise getting germs in it.

After gently cleansing the affected area, an application of aloe will ease the burned area.
After gently cleansing the affected area, an application of aloe will ease the burned area.

Beyond reducing pain, first-degree burn treatment usually consists only of keeping the burn clean. Topical medications that prevent infections in minor cuts and scrapes can be used for this purpose. If the ointment will be covered by a bandage, it is important to make sure that the bandage is not fuzzy because the fuzzy material can get trapped in the wound.

Cleaning a first-degree burn with water and then applying honey encourage wound healing.
Cleaning a first-degree burn with water and then applying honey encourage wound healing.

Natural first-degree burn treatment is usually acceptable, so long as the treatment does not interfere with healing. Substances like aloe vera are very popular, but salves with pain-reducing herbs can be used as well. When purchasing natural healing products, it is always a good idea to look at the ingredients and make sure that none of the substances are dangerous. Most healing products are reputable, but those that are not can be extremely dangerous.

Covering the burn with gauze will help to prevent further infection.
Covering the burn with gauze will help to prevent further infection.

For some people, first-degree burn treatment lasts much longer than it takes for the burn to heal. Burned skin is often a different color than the surrounding skin, and changes to pigment can be permanent. Avoiding tanning or additional burns for at least a year is important to prevent permanent changes. Changes in pigment are usually not dangerous, but the splotches and scars characteristic of burned skin are not considered aesthetically acceptable in some cultures.

Discussion Comments

Pippinwhite

I burned my arm on the wall heater years ago. Part of the burn was first degree, part was second. After screaming and running cold water over the area, I broke a piece off my mother's aloe plant. I cut it down the middle to expose the pulp and put the two pieces, pulp side down, over the burn marks, then bandaged them with a gauze pad and coban. I left the place strictly alone for two days, and put plastic wrap over the bandage when I showered.

When I unwrapped my arm, the burns were surprisingly smaller and were well on their way to healing. Both healed well and the scars faded in a year or so, with no trace.

I'm a big fan of aloe vera for minor burns.

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    • The first three degrees of burns.
      By: Alila
      The first three degrees of burns.
    • After gently cleansing the affected area, an application of aloe will ease the burned area.
      By: PhotoSG
      After gently cleansing the affected area, an application of aloe will ease the burned area.
    • Cleaning a first-degree burn with water and then applying honey encourage wound healing.
      By: Sergii Moscaliuk
      Cleaning a first-degree burn with water and then applying honey encourage wound healing.
    • Covering the burn with gauze will help to prevent further infection.
      By: Vivian Seefeld
      Covering the burn with gauze will help to prevent further infection.
    • Minor burns should be treated with cold running water.
      By: Dan Race
      Minor burns should be treated with cold running water.