Solutions for a burnt scalp e.g. due to hot water or direct application of essential oils

I've had a couple of people contact me after burning their scalp because their water was too hot or because their skin made contact with undiluted essential oils e.g. peppermint oil.

Types of burn:

1. First degree burns are surface level, they only affect outer skin
   
2. Second degree burns have blisters because the outer layer of skin and the first inner layer (the dermis) is affected
   
3. Third degree burns are very severe and need immediate medical attention. If you have third degree burns you're probably not going to be checking for remedies on the internet.

If you have first degree burns, these are some quick solutions:

• Run the burnt area over cool water ~ you could stand under the shower if you can tolerate the cold or just bend your head over a tub and hold the showered head over your head for a while (5 to 15 minutes depending on how you feel).
  
• Rub aloe vera gel over the burnt area, it's got a soothing effect.
  
• If you have a small aloe vera plant you can actually break off a piece and dab it over the burnt area of the scalp, it has a very cooling effect too.
  
• Rub antiseptic cream over the burnt scalp area.

• If you are going to your doctor don't rub anything onto the wound, stop at cold water because it will be easier for your doctor to assess your scalp if there are no products on it.

If you have second degree burn or worse, see a doctor. If your scalp is still sore after 3 or 4 days also see a doctor. Normally, after the initial shock your scalp should cool down and start healing quite rapidly after about 24-48 hours.

What not to do!

• Don't apply freezing cold (ice-like) water or ice to the area. The ice especially can damage skin tissues.
  
• Do not rub butter, vaseline or any other petroleum/petrolatum based oil on the wound.
  
• Don't keep touching or rubbing your scalp, let it heal.
  
• Obviously don't use harsh chemicals e.g. relaxer on your hair and avoid washing and conditioning until you're healed. From my experience you should make a full recovery within one or two weeks at the most.

If your hair has been yanked out due to burns, don't freak out, in many cases it will grow back.

References:
How can I treat minor burns? (wiseGEEK)
How do I deal with minor burns? (NHS)

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