Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
It’s summertime and there seems to be more ways we might get burned during the summer. For instance, grabbing a hot marshmallow off a roasting stick while making s’mores, or a drip of hot juice from the burgers coming off the grill, or just too much sun resulting in a sunburn, etc.
If you have any of these at your disposal, you can hack that minor burn:
Cold Water – Stop a burn from spreading by running cold water over the burn area for several minutes within seconds of being burned. You can also place a cold compress over the affected area. Cold water does not give you lasting relief from a minor burn so try using one of the other treatments after the cold water for more lasting pain relief.
Toothpaste – It is said that toothpaste is effective in helping the burning sensation of burns and to help a burn heal faster. Simply apply toothpaste to the burn as required. Note – The toothpaste has to be the paste, not gel. You also need to be sure you’re not applying it to broken or blistering skin to keep germs from the toothpaste from entering the wound.
Baking soda – Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda into a couple drops of water, just enough to make a thick paste. Gently apply the paste to the burn. The pain will decrease significantly. Repeat the application 5 to 10 times when the paste starts to dry and fall off. It not only helps with the pain but will help heal the burn without scarring.
Tomatoes – Cut a slice of cold tomato and place over the burn. Leave on till the pain goes away. This also will stop the burn from blistering.
Honey – Honey can effectively disinfect wounds and help heal burns, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply honey all over the wound after you’ve properly washed the area. Or apply to a piece of gauze or bandage then cover the burn.
Aloe vera – My mother always kept an Aloe vera plant in the kitchen just for minor burns. Cut or break a piece from the plant and rub the clear gel inside on the burn. Works well on sunburn too.
Raw Potato – Raw potato can treat minor skin burns due to its anti-irritating and soothing properties. Simply cut a slice of raw potato and rub it on the burn, making sure the juice from the potato is releasing over the area. It will alleviate the pain and reduce the chance of having blisters.
What’s your favorite home remedy for hacking minor burns?
