Aloe straight from the plant is the best way to get pure, all-natural aloe. However, there are store-bought options you can try as well. Older aloe plant leaves contain more aloe. Using younger leaves is fine, too, they just might not have as much aloe inside of them. Aloe vera plants are very easy to plant and maintain, and they’re great to have on-hand for minor injuries and sunburns. They grow in almost all indoor climates, and in warm outdoor climates.
Look at the ingredient list of the gel you buy. Some that claim that they are “made with pure aloe gel” only actually contain 10% aloe, so it’s always good to double check.
If your burn is in an area that might get rubbed or bumped, cover the aloe with a clean bandage or gauze. Otherwise, leave it uncovered. Make sure to clean your burn with soap and water before applying aloe.
Experts note that while more studies are needed, preliminary research has shown that aloe can help speed up healing of minor burns. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source There are no side effects to using aloe on your skin. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have any pain, redness, or discomfort after using aloe, you may be allergic. Rinse the aloe off your skin if you have an adverse reaction.
If you cannot reach the area with a tap or shower, soak a cloth in cold water and place it over the burn for 20 minutes. Replace the cloth as its temperature rises with another newly soaked cloth.
Be very gentle, and don’t rub the burn vigorously. This can damage your skin or cause blisters.
Do not give aspirin to a child under 2 years old.
Try resting your hand or foot on a pillow when you sit down to keep the burn elevated.
You can use honey in combination with the aloe. Try switching back and forth between using honey and aloe vera to speed up the healing process. Don’t put honey on an open wound or any severe burns.
Essential oils can cause skin irritation, especially if they are not diluted. Always dilute tea tree oil before using it on your skin. Other soothing essential oils include peppermint oil, chamomile oil, and lavender oil.
On your face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints. Larger than 2 inches (5. 1 cm) in size. Showing signs of being a third-degree burn, including dry and leathery skin, lack of pain, or blackened skin.
Oozing from your burn Redness around the burn Swelling Increased pain Scarring Fever
Monitor your burn by taking photos of it or measuring it each day. Your doctor can prescribe a burn cream or ointment to speed up the healing process. The cream or ointment will help prevent infection and will prevent your bandages from sticking to your wound.
