How to Help Cigarette Burns Feel Better

No matter what the cause is, a burn is a burn. Treating a cigarette burn is much the same as treating any other kind of small burn on the skin. A cigarette burn is most likely a first-degree burn that can be safely treated at home. However, you should monitor the burn and seek additional treatment if there is excessive blistering or if symptoms worsen. Also, if the affected area is near the eyes or mouth, get emergency medical treatment to prevent an infection that could spread. In general, however, standard first-aid techniques will work on a cigarette burn.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Neosporin ointment
• Aloe vera gel
• Pain-relieving medicine, such as aspirin or ibuprofen

Show More

Instructions

Treating a Cigarette Burn

• 1

  Apply cold to the burn. To soothe the heat from a cigarette burn, use a washcloth soaked in cool water and put it on the affected area. Avoid applying ice, as this may be too cold for the burned skin and could damage the surrounding skin. You can also run cool water over the burn if its location makes this easier. The cold water will soothe the damaged tissue and help reduce swelling.

• 2

  Take a pain-reliever. Burns are painful, and taking medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen will help make the pain manageable and reduce swelling. Use the recommended dosage for your height and weight, and take doses on time to keep symptoms under control.

• 3

  Apply healing ointment. Neosporin is useful to reduce infection, and aloe vera soothes the damaged tissue and promotes healing. Ointments also form a protective barrier around the wound. Regardless, avoid putting food on the burn. Raw meat, butter and oil may be popular folk remedies, but using them can hurt rather than help; they won't promote healing, and can introduce infection-causing bacteria to the wound.

• 4

  Monitor the burn. Watch the skin for signs of infection like blisters or pus. Keep the area wrapped in a plastic bag when showering so that you do not get soap or other substances on it. Check for discoloration or any changes in the skin that might indicate a worsening of the condition.