For treating a minor burn at home, here is what you should put on it and how to care for it:
- Cool the burn: Immediately run cool (not cold) water over the burn for about 10-20 minutes or apply a cool, wet compress to reduce pain and swelling. Avoid using ice as it can damage the tissue further
- Clean the burn: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to prevent infection
- Apply ointments: Use antibiotic ointments like Polysporin, Neosporin, or bacitracin to prevent infection. These can be applied two to three times a day or whenever you change the dressing. Petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline) is also good to keep the wound moist and prevent dressings from sticking
- Use aloe vera: Aloe vera gel helps soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and may promote healing, especially for minor burns like sunburns
- Cover the burn: Use a sterile, non-fluffy gauze bandage to cover the burn loosely. This protects the area from infection and reduces pain
- Avoid harmful substances: Do not put butter, oil, egg whites, toothpaste, or ice directly on the burn as these can cause irritation or infection
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can help manage pain
- Do not break blisters: If blisters form, leave them intact to protect against infection. If a blister breaks, clean the area and apply antibiotic ointment
- Additional care: Keep the burn out of direct sunlight and moisturize the healed skin regularly to prevent dryness and scarring
Seek immediate medical attention if the burn is large, deep, or involves sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints
. In summary, for minor burns, cool the burn, clean it gently, apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly, cover with a sterile dressing, and use aloe vera for soothing. Avoid harmful home remedies and monitor for signs of infection
