Although serious burns may require emergency treatment by a doctor, many second-degree burns can be treated at home. A second-degree burn is an injury to the skin caused by heat, electricity, radiation, friction or chemicals. The following methods can be used right away to reduce skin damage and prevent future scarring. Immediately, burns should be rinsed with cool water, gently cleaned without breaking any blisters, and bandaged. Here are some other tips for treating burn wounds at home.

10. Do not reach for ice

Putting ice on a burn may sound like a good idea and it may even feel good. However, ice restricts blood flow to the skin, which can further damage tissue by not allowing blood and oxygen to reach the wound. Instead, immediately place the burned area under cold running water and keep it there for twenty minutes if possible. This will help prevent the wound from spreading. The cooling water may also contribute to reducing inflammation.

9. 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.

8. White vinegar

White vinegar contains a compound of aspirin known as acetic acid that may help relieve the itching, pain, and inflammation associated with burns. Acetic acid is also an astringent and antiseptic; therefore, it can help protect against infection. Vinegar helps healing pain naturally by drawing heat away from the burn. Soak a washcloth or cotton balls in diluted vinegar and apply gently to the affected area. If the burn is on an area of the body where it can be submerged in vinegar completely, such as on the finger, do so for approximately ten minutes.

7. Raw honey

Raw honey is a natural antibiotic that has been used for thousands of years to treat all sorts of ailments. Applying raw honey to the burn may help treat it if it has become infected. It has anti-bacterial properties to help keep the wound clean by killing germs. Raw honey may cool the burn and keep it hydrated so skin can properly heal. Apply a small amount to the wound and spread with the back of a spoon to avoid spreading germs by touching the wound with your fingers.

6. Antibiotic creams

When a burn has open blisters, a person may want to use antibiotic creams and ointments. Antibiotic creams might help prevent infection in the wound and help the burn heal faster. After applying an antibiotic cream, cover up any exposed blisters to protect the wound from infection.

5. Over-the-counter pain medications

First-degree and second-degree burns cause pain until they heal. A person may wish to take medication to help reduce pain and swelling. Ibuprofen is a safe and effective choice as a pain-reliever. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can also decrease inflammation.

4. Stay out of the sun

Keeping a burn in the shade when outside in hot or sunny weather can help reduce both pain and the risk of increasing or deepening the burn. If avoiding the sun is not possible, a person should wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the wound.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a common ingredient in many creams, sunscreens, and moisturizers. Its gel formTrusted Source 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.

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.

1. Plastic wrap

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service recommend using household plastic wrap as a potential home remedy for treating burns. It is best to layer the sterile film over the burn instead of wrapping the limb. For hand burns, a sterile, see-through plastic bag is a good alternative.