Whether your burn is the result of too much time spent in the summer sun or a slipped curling iron, it still can be a source of severe pain. Even the smallest of burns can be excruciating. Luckily, most minor burns are easy to treat and their pain can be managed through simple at-home procedures.
Cool the Burn
Upon receiving a burn, the first thing that should be done to relieve the pain and prevent further damage is to run the burn under cool (not cold) water. By simply running cool water from a tap or submerging the burn completely, you will not only cool the burned tissue and prevent further injury, but you will bring significant pain relief to the area.
Take an Analgesic
After cooling the burn with water, you may want to take an over the counter analgesic such as Tylenol or Advil. While these pain relievers won't completely numb the pain, they can reduce the pain and make it more manageable.
If you still need pain relief after an over the counter pill, you may wish to purchase a special spray or salve from the drugstore that's made specifically for burns. An excellent choice is a product called Dermalast, which is a lidocaine-based spray that can be applied to the burn to numb the skin. Solarcaine, another over the counter numbing spray, is designed specifically for sunburn, although it may be used on all first-degree (nonblistering) burns.
Simple Remedies for Burn Pain
Other relief options include using a eucalyptus or menthol-based cold cream such as Noxema and applying it to the burned area leaving it on for several minutes and then washing it off with cool water. The chemicals in the cream leave the skin feeling cool and refreshed and the oils in the product keep the skin hydrated, which is important in the healing process.
A simple spray of diluted white vinegar or cool water infused with fresh lemon juice also can offer burn relief.
And aloe vera gel which is derived naturally from the aloe plant, can be purchased at most pharmacies and is a natural way to relieve burn pain and keep your burned skin cool and hydrated. It also has a pleasant, mild smell and soaks readily into the skin.
If the area of your skin that's burned is very small, an ice pack can be applied to relieve pain and reduce possible swelling. Once the pain is manageable, keep the burn moisturized with hand lotion or a small amount of petroleum jelly as burns can dehydrate the skin which delays healing.
Tags: cool water, over counter, Burn Pain, pain relief, prevent further, relieve pain