Safe home remedies & first aid tips for minor burns this Diwali | Fusion - WeRIndia

Burns are among the most common household injuries, whether from spilling boiling water, touching hot cookware, or lighting diyas during Diwali.

Quick and proper treatment can make a huge difference in healing and comfort.

Mild burns generally heal within one to two weeks without scarring if treated correctly at home.

First Aid: Cool It First

The most important step after any burn is immediate cooling. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for about 20 minutes. This reduces pain and limits skin damage.

Never apply ice directly, as it can worsen the injury. For sunburn, a 10-minute cool shower or bath provides relief.

Aloe Vera – Nature’s Soothing Healer

Aloe vera is one of the best-known natural treatments for first and second-degree burns.

It reduces inflammation, boosts circulation, and prevents bacterial growth.

Apply pure aloe gel from a fresh leaf or a high-quality store-bought gel twice daily until the burn heals.

Honey – A Proven Ancient Remedy

Medical-grade honey has shown excellent results for superficial burns.

Its healing power comes from its ability to fight bacteria, draw out excess fluid, and reduce pain.

To use safely, apply a thin layer of honey on a sterile pad before placing it on the burn.

Petroleum Jelly and Pain Relief

Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly two to three times a day helps lock in moisture and protect healing skin.

Cover the burn loosely with a sterile, non-stick bandage. Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease discomfort.

Protecting the Healing Skin

Avoid direct sunlight on the affected area. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to prevent scarring.

Watch for warning signs like pus, foul odour, or increased pain, which may indicate infection. Seek medical help immediately.

What Not to Do

• Many traditional burn remedies can worsen the injury.
• Avoid using butter, toothpaste, ice, oils, egg whites, or kitchen condiments like mustard or mayonnaise. These can trap heat or introduce bacteria.
• Do not pop blisters, wrap burns tightly, or scratch itchy skin.
• Each of these mistakes delays healing and raises infection risk.

Children under 10, elderly individuals, and those with health conditions like diabetes should get professional care, even for small burns.

Quick, correct action ensures faster healing and fewer complications, keeping your festive season safe and worry-free.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on March 18, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1191007