Introduction:

You must have noticed that while cooking, most people get burned due to oil, stove, gas stove, oven, etc. There are many types of burns. If the skin is severely burned, it requires immediate treatment. Whereas, you can cure the problem of burns and minor burns with home remedies. According to experts, the strong rays of the sun can scorch the skin. But you can treat burned skin by using essential oils.

Essential oils can provide effective relief for burns through various mechanisms that leverage their natural properties.

Types of burn:

The type or stage of a skin burn depends on how much skin is affected. However, skin burns are generally divided into three stages or types:

1. First degree- burn

Superficial burns that affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis).This usually happens due to falling hot water, electric shock, exposure to radiation or sunburn. Typically, they heal within a few days to a week without scarring. Cold water or compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and soothing creams or aloe vera work well

2. Second-degree burn: 

When the second layer of the skin (the dermis) is affected by a burn, it is known as the second degree. In second-degree burns, the wounds become white, pink, or red in color, and fluid may also accumulate in them. In the second degree, blisters also form and get filled with water.

3. Third-degree burn:

When the first and second surfaces of the skin, along with the nerve endings, blood vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles, get affected during burning, it is called a third-degree burn. There is very little pain in the wounds formed during this period because the ends of the nerves have been damaged. Third-degree burns can be an emergency, requiring immediate hospital treatment and even the ICU.

Skin burn symptoms:

• Swelling
• Skin peeling
• Blistering
• The burnt area of ​​skin appears white, pink, or red
• Pain in the affected area

The science behind essential oil:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Many essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, and tea tree oil, possess anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to burns, they may help reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling, thereby providing relief.
• Antimicrobial Effects: Essential oils like tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and thyme have potent antimicrobial properties. Applying these oils to burns may help prevent infection, which is crucial for proper wound healing.
• Analgesic (pain-relieving) Effects: Some essential oils, including peppermint, eucalyptus, and wintergreen, have natural analgesic properties. They can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with burns, offering relief during the healing process.
• Moisturizing and Skin Repair: essential oils are rich in fatty acids and vitamins that promote skin hydration and repair. Applying these oils to burns can keep the skin moisturized, reducing dryness and itchiness as the burn heals.

Effective Essential Oils for Burn Relief:

Lavender oil:

Lavender essential oil has carminative, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It is a good way to treat skin problems like sunburn. The antiseptic, antibiotic, and circulatory-stimulating properties present in lavender oil make it an ideal essential oil for treating minor skin burns. Scars and infections are a direct result of bacteria and germs, so using lavender oil on burns helps prevent this and helps you get better faster.
The main benefit of using lavender oil is that it treats skin burns naturally. Although there are many types of burn creams available on the market, most of them contain harmful chemicals. If you care about your health and well-being, essential oils like lavender can be a great home remedy for treating skin burns.

Use of lavender essential oil on burns:

• Aloe vera gel, along with lavender oil, is also very beneficial for burns. Mix about 10 drops of aloe vera gel with lavender oil. Apply this mixture to your burned skin. If there is a need to reduce pain, try this remedy every two hours. Lavender and aloe vera are a wonderful healing combination.
• You can also use lavender oil spray on burns. Make your own spray by mixing 10 drops of lavender oil in a cup of pure water. Then place it in a spray bottle and shake the bottle well before spraying it on the skin.
• To reduce the burning sensation and pain, apply 2-3 drops of lavender oil to the burned skin. Do this remedy 2-3 times a day. This idea works really well in small portions. Recently, I applied lavender oil to burns on my hands. Doing this did not cause redness or irritation. Also, there was no sign of burning.

Peppermint oil:

Peppermint oil is a popular essential oil known for its cooling sensation and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, making it a promising option for burn pain relief. Peppermint contains methanol, so it has exceptional cooling properties. As you apply this oil to the affected skin, it will treat the inflammation and sunburn. Currently, you can cure mild cases of skin burns with peppermint oil. Peppermint oil also possesses analgesic properties, meaning it can reduce pain perception. Menthol interacts with various receptors in the body, including kappa-opioid receptors, which are involved in pain modulation. By activating these receptors, peppermint oil can help reduce the intensity of pain signals, providing relief to burn victims. 

Use of peppermint essential oil on burns:

• When using peppermint oil for burn pain relief, it’s important to dilute it properly before applying it to the skin, especially for sensitive or injured areas. Diluting it in a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil can help prevent skin irritation.
• For this, mix 2-3 drops of peppermint oil in aloe vera gel.
• Apply this mixture to the sunburned area.
• This will start the process of giving you relief
• While peppermint oil can offer temporary relief from burn pain, it’s essential to seek medical attention for serious burns or burns that cover a large area of the body.

Tea tree oil:

Tea tree essential oil is renowned for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, making it a popular choice for burn relief. Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree native to Australia, has a long history of medicinal use. Its primary active component, terpinen-4-ol, exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a versatile remedy for various skin conditions, including burns. Tea tree oil can impart a soothing and cooling sensation, providing immediate relief from the heat and pain of minor burns.

Use of tea tree essential oil on burns:

• Always dilute tea tree oil before applying it to the skin, especially for burns. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil. A typical dilution ratio is 2–3 drops of tea tree oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
• Gently apply the diluted tea tree oil mixture to the affected area using a clean cotton ball or swab. Avoid rubbing vigorously, especially on blistered skin
• You can reapply the diluted tea tree oil 2-3 times a day, depending on the severity of the burn. Monitor the skin for any adverse reactions, and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Precautions:

1. Don't expect the skin to heal immediately after applying essential oils to the skin. For natural healing, the skin needs some time.
2. Undiluted essential oils can cause skin irritation or sensitization, especially on burns or sensitive skin.
3. Store essential oils in dark glass bottles away from sunlight and heat to maintain their potency.
4. Store essential oils and blends out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
5. For severe burns, deep wounds, or if you are unsure about using essential oils, seek medical advice promptly. Essential oils can complement, but not replace, medical treatment for serious burns.

Conclusion:

Essential oils offer a natural and effective solution for burn relief, providing soothing and healing properties to alleviate discomfort and promote skin recovery. Key oils such as lavender, tea tree, and peppermint are renowned for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects, making them valuable allies in managing burns of varying degrees. When using essential oils for burn relief, it's crucial to dilute them properly with a carrier oil, perform patch tests to check for sensitivities, and seek medical attention for severe burns or persistent symptoms. By incorporating essential oils mindfully and in conjunction with appropriate medical care, individuals can experience targeted relief and support skin healing in a gentle and holistic manner.

Are you ready to transform your skincare routine with the power of essential oils? Visit Blue Tree Aroma to explore our wide range of high-quality essential oils and find the perfect ones for your skin needs. Start your journey to clearer, healthier skin today!