Coconut oil might be one of the best natural treatments for burns, and may often be the first choice for people in coconut-cultivating nations for the treatment of these painful skin conditions. Coconut oil may have crucial properties that make it effective for not only treating burns, but also preventing secondary infections, moisturizing the skin, speeding up the healing process, and minimizing permanent scarring or marks from burns.
Burns are typically classified as first-, second- or third-degree burns, moving from least to most severe. First-degree burns usually only affect the outer layer of skin, such as a sunburn, whereas second-degree burns may extend a few layers deeper, resulting in more pain and possibly affecting blood vessels and nerves. Third-degree burns require specialized care, and may include hospitalization. [1]
Coconut oil might be recommended as a treatment for first-degree burns and some second-degree burns, which may include sunburns, water burns, rope burns, minor chemical burns, acid burns, and radiation burns.
As mentioned, third-degree burns might often be life-threatening and should be treated in official burn units by specialists. Coconut oils may be used after this formal medical treatment for third-degree burns to help minimize scarring, but it should not be used as a first-response treatment to such severe injuries, which often result from being in a fire or experiencing severe chemical burns. [2]
Coconut oil might help in skin care. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
| Serving Size : | |
|---|---|
| Nutrient | Value |
| Water [g] | 0.03 |
| Energy | 892 |
| Energy [kJ] | 3730 |
| Total lipid (fat) [g] | 99.06 |
| Ash [g] | 0.03 |
| Calcium, Ca [mg] | 1 |
| Iron, Fe [mg] | 0.05 |
| Zinc, Zn [mg] | 0.02 |
| Choline, total [mg] | 0.3 |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] | 0.11 |
| Tocopherol, beta [mg] | 0.6 |
| Tocopherol, delta [mg] | 0.18 |
| Tocotrienol, alpha [mg] | 2.17 |
| Tocotrienol, beta [mg] | 0.13 |
| Tocotrienol, gamma [mg] | 0.36 |
| Tocotrienol, delta [mg] | 0.25 |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] | 0.6 |
| Fatty acids, total saturated [g] | 82.48 |
| 4:0 [g] | 0.01 |
| 6:0 [g] | 0.48 |
| 8:0 [g] | 6.8 |
| 10:0 [g] | 5.39 |
| 12:0 [g] | 41.84 |
| 14:0 [g] | 16.65 |
| 15:0 [g] | 0.02 |
| 16:0 [g] | 8.64 |
| 17:0 [g] | 0.01 |
| 18:0 [g] | 2.52 |
| 20:0 [g] | 0.08 |
| 22:0 [g] | 0.02 |
| 24:0 [g] | 0.03 |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] | 6.33 |
| 16:1 [g] | 0.02 |
| 16:1 c [g] | 0.02 |
| 18:1 [g] | 6.27 |
| 18:1 c [g] | 6.25 |
| 20:1 [g] | 0.04 |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] | 1.7 |
| 18:2 [g] | 1.68 |
| 18:2 n-6 c,c [g] | 1.68 |
| 18:3 [g] | 0.02 |
| 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) [g] | 0.02 |
| Fatty acids, total trans [g] | 0.03 |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic [g] | 0.02 |
| 18:1 t [g] | 0.02 |
| 18:2 t not further defined [g] | 0.01 |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic [g] | 0.01 |
| Phytosterols [mg] | 86 |
| Sources include : USDA [3] | |
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Burns
Coconut oil can deliver a number of important benefits for people suffering from burns of varying types and severity. This may include protecting against infections, increasing the rate of healing, soothing pain and inflammation, keeping the area moisturized and cool and reducing scarring. [4]
Might Relieve Pain
Research has shown that coconut oil might have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe the discomfort and pain caused by burns of all types. This might mainly be the result of the vitamin E found in coconut oil (source: USDA), also known as tocopherol. [5] [6]
Might Protect Immune System
The rich content of medium-chain fatty acids found in this oil, namely lauric, capric and caprylic acids, might have antibacterial and antiseptic qualities that can protect the exposed burns from the many pathogens, irritants and pollutants from the external environment. One of the biggest risk factors that complicates burns might be the risk of infection; applying coconut oil might markedly reduce your susceptibility to these dangerous secondary infections. [7]
Might Speed up Healing
Coconut oil might also be able to penetrate deeply and increase the rate of growth and healing of damaged skin cells. The vitamins and polyphenols in this oil can reduce oxidative stress in these already damaged cells and might significantly speed the healing process, making for a quicker recovery. Coconut oil might stimulate the flow of blood to the burned areas, which may bring oxygen and nutrients where they are needed most. [8]
Might Moisturize Skin
Coconut oil might be known to penetrate the skin deeply, making it particularly effective for second-degree burns and rope burns, which often peel off multiple layers of skin. By delivering moisture to these exposed areas, it might prevent dryness and the accompanying pain, while providing soothing comfort, especially when applied rapidly following the event of a burn. [9]
Might Reduce Scar
This oil might be high in antioxidant vitamins and polyphenolic compounds, which can promote collagen cross-linking and strengthen the dermal tissue to promote regrowth and healing. It may minimize the appearance of scarring, which so often results from burns. While it may not be able to prevent all scarring from a burn, coconut oil might reduce it and leave the new skin with full elasticity, rather than giving it a wrinkled or leathery appearance. [10]
How to Use Coconut Oil For Curing Burns?
You can use virgin organic coconut oil for burns by gently applying the oil – generously and frequently – to the affected areas. It might also be recommended that you use other essential oils in conjunction with the base oil to further promote healing and reduce inflammation. Lavender oil or (very small) amounts of tea tree oil might be excellent, as these are disinfectant in nature.
Before treating your burn with coconut oil, it is wise to run the burn under cold water for a few minutes, which might soothe the pain and clear out any other irritants and substances that may have entered the burn. This might partially numb the area for a short amount of time. This may also help to prevent scarring on the area, as it quickly stimulates blood flow to the area. [11]
Immediately following this, generously apply the oil mixture to the site of the burn; there might be no need to rub or massage the oil into the area. Simply allow it to permeate the skin.
Leave the oil mixture on the skin for 10-15 minutes before gently washing it off with water. If possible, allow the entire mixture to soak into the skin, and try not to move or twist the burned area.
Repeat this process multiple times per day. When you feel the inflammation or pain return, or if the coconut oil is completely soaked in and the skin no longer has an oily appearance, re-apply the oily mixture. [12]
You can continue to use this treatment method until the burn is healed or the scarred area is visibly reduced in appearance.
