Burns are classified into four degrees of severity, with first-degree burns being the least severe and fourth-degree burns being the most severe. The treatment for a burn depends on its severity, but in general, it is important to act fast and follow these steps: For minor burns, such as first-degree and second-degree burns, cool the burn under running water for 10-20 minutes or until the pain subsides. Remove any tight items, such as jewellery, from the affected area. Do not break blisters, and if they do break, clean the area with mild soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. For pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken. It is important to avoid using butter, ice, or other home remedies that may trap heat or cause further irritation. More severe burns, such as third-degree and fourth-degree burns, require immediate medical attention.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Burn type | First-degree |
Burn type | Second-degree |
Burn type | Third-degree |
Treatment | Cool the burn with cool (not cold) running water or apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases |
Treatment | Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area |
Treatment | Don't break blisters. If a blister breaks, clean the area with water (mild soap is optional) |
Treatment | Apply an antibiotic ointment |
Treatment | Apply lotion, such as one that contains aloe vera or a moisturizer |
Treatment | Bandage the burn with a sterile gauze bandage |
Treatment | Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen |
Don'ts | Don't use ice, iced water, creams, or greasy substances like butter on a burn |
What You'll Learn
Cool the burn with water
If you've burned yourself on a hot pan, it's important to act fast. The first thing you should do is run the burned area under cool water for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pain subsides. The water should be a little colder than room temperature. If you can't run the burn under water, you can instead use a cool, clean, damp cloth or towel.
If you've burned your wrist or arm and your clothing has stuck to the burn, immerse the entire area in cool water. This will help to stop the burning process.
Once the burn has cooled, you can wash the area with mild soap and water. You can then cover the burn with a sterile gauze or bandage.
It's important not to use ice or very cold water on a burn, as this can irritate the skin further and even cause cold burns.
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Remove rings or other tight items from the area
If you've burnt yourself, it's important to act fast. The first thing to do is to cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for 10 to 20 minutes or until the pain subsides. If you can't run the burn under water, apply a cool, wet compress or cloth.
Once you've cooled the burn, it's important to remove any rings or other tight items from the area. Try to do this quickly and gently, before the area starts to swell. If you don't remove tight items, they may get stuck on the skin as it swells.
After removing tight items from the area, you should clean the burn with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing, as this could irritate the skin. Gently cleaning the burn will help prevent infection.
If your burn is blistering, try not to break the blisters. The fluid inside the blisters helps to protect the skin and keep it sterile. If a blister does break, clean the area with water and a mild soap if desired. Then, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a bandage or gauze.
You can then apply a moisturiser or aloe vera gel to the burn to keep the skin hydrated and provide temporary pain relief. Once the burn is completely cooled, you can also apply a lotion to prevent drying and provide relief.
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Don't break blisters
If you've burned yourself on a hot pan, it's important to act fast. The first thing to do is to run the burn under cool water for about 5-15 minutes, depending on the severity of the burn. Then, wash the area with mild soap and water, and cover it with a sterile gauze bandage. You can also apply an antibacterial ointment or aloe vera gel to help soothe the pain and promote healing. It's important to keep the area clean and protected while it heals.
Now, on to those blisters. Burn blisters are the body's way of protecting the underlying burnt skin while it heals. They are fluid-filled bubbles that form over burned areas of skin as a layer of protection. While they may be uncomfortable or unsightly, it is best to leave them alone and let them heal on their own. Here are some reasons why you should not break or pop burn blisters:
- Popping a blister can increase the risk of infection. The fluid inside the blister, called serum, contains proteins and other components that promote wound healing. When you pop a blister, you remove this protective fluid, leaving the wound vulnerable to bacteria and other pathogens.
- Breaking a blister can slow down the healing process. The blister provides a natural barrier that helps keep the underlying skin protected and moist, which is optimal for healing.
- If a blister breaks on its own, it is important to clean the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage or gauze. This helps prevent infection and protects the wound while it heals.
- Do not apply ice, butter, ointments, toothpaste, or other household products to the blister. These can damage the tissue, trap heat, or cause an infection.
- If you experience severe pain, increased swelling, or any signs of infection (such as white or yellow drainage, redness, or warmth), seek medical attention immediately.
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Apply an antibiotic ointment
If you've burned yourself on a pan, it's important to act fast. First, plunge the affected area into cool water for about five minutes for a first-degree burn, and 10 minutes for a second-degree burn. Do not use ice, as it could damage the tissue. Next, wash the burned area with mild soap and water, then cover it with sterile gauze.
Once the burn has cooled, you can apply an antibiotic ointment. This will keep your skin safe from bacteria and help you avoid infection. It will also offer skin protection and create a barrier so that your dressing doesn't stick to your skin. Apply a thin layer of ointment, such as NEOSPORIN® Burn Relief & First-Aid Antibiotic Ointment, which contains bacitracin zinc and neomycin sulfate. You can apply the ointment two to three times per day or anytime you change your dressing.
After applying the ointment, wrap your burn in a dressing. You can use a clean cloth or basic gauze over the ointment, or place a non-stick pad over the ointment and wrap the area loosely with gauze. Change your dressing one to two times a day and anytime it gets dirty or wet.
It's important to keep an eye on your burn, as it can change a lot in the first 48 hours. If you see signs of infection, such as worsening redness or swelling, seek medical advice.
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Apply lotion
If you have a burn from a pan, it is important to act fast. First, plunge the affected area into cool water for about five minutes for a first-degree burn, and 10 minutes for a second-degree burn. Do not use ice, as it could damage the tissue. If clothing sticks to the burn, immerse the entire area in cool water. Then, wash the burn with mild soap and water, and cover it with sterile gauze.
Once the burn has cooled, you can apply a thin layer of ointment, such as petroleum jelly, or aloe vera gel. Do not apply topical antibiotics, and do not use cream, lotion, oil, cortisone, butter, or egg white. Aloe vera gel is a good option, as it inhibits pain-producing substances, is anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation, and inhibits bacteria and fungi. It is even more effective when paired with lavender essential oil, which is also anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antibacterial, and antifungal. You can make a paste by mixing one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and apply it as needed throughout the day.
After applying the ointment, protect the burn from rubbing and pressure with a sterile non-stick gauze, lightly taped or wrapped over it. Do not use a dressing that can shed fibres, as they can get caught in the burn. Change the dressing once a day.
For pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen.
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Frequently asked questions
You should act fast and follow these tips for minor burn treatment:
- Use cool (a little colder than room temperature) running water for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain eases.
- Remove tight items, such as rings or clothing, from the burned area.
Do not break the blister if it is bigger than your little fingernail. If the blister does break, clean it with mild soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment, and then cover it with a bandage or gauze.
Applying aloe vera gel, lavender oil, or honey may provide temporary pain relief.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen can help ease the pain.
Once the burn heals, protect the area from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, or applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.