First Aid

Minor Burns & Scalds

Cool the tissue, calm pain, prevent infection, and minimise scarring after small first- and superficial second-degree burns. Seek medical care for anything larger than a palm, on the face, or full-thickness.

Prevention

Key nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, collagen/glycine, hydration.

Eat regularly: Citrus, bell peppers, almonds, sunflower seeds, oysters, bone broth, eggs, leafy greens.

Set water heater under 49°C/120°F and turn pot handles inward when cooking.

Cool running water

OtherStrong evidence

First step for any burn — run cool (not icy) water over the area for 15–20 minutes to halt heat damage before applying anything else.

Aloe vera gel

HerbStrong evidence

Fresh leaf gel or pure aloe gel applied 3–4× daily soothes pain, hydrates the burn, and speeds re-epithelialization.

Raw honey

FoodStrong evidence

After cooling, a thin layer of raw or Manuka honey under a non-stick dressing reduces infection and improves healing time of superficial burns.

Baking soda & water paste

OtherTraditional use

After cooling the burn under running water, mix 1–2 tsp baking soda with a little cool water to form a paste and apply gently to the area for 10–15 minutes to neutralise stinging and draw heat. Rinse off and follow with aloe or honey. Do not use on broken or blistered skin.

Lavender essential oil

HerbTraditional use

1–2 drops in a teaspoon of aloe or coconut oil dabbed on a cooled minor burn eases pain and supports skin repair.

Calendula cream

HerbModerate evidence

Apply 2–3× daily once the burn is no longer weeping to speed healing and reduce scarring.

Vitamin E oil

VitaminTraditional use

Once the burn has closed, massage a few drops daily into the area to support scar remodelling.

A note of caution. Natural doesn't mean risk-free. Herbs and supplements can interact with medications, affect pregnancy, or worsen certain conditions. Speak with a qualified clinician before starting a new regimen, especially if you take prescriptions.