Burns range from minor injuries to life-threatening damage. Knowing correct first aid reduces pain, prevents infection, and improves healing. This guide explains types of burns, immediate actions, safe home care, and red flags that need emergency attention.
Types of Burns (Quick Overview)
First-degree: Affects only outer skin (red, painful, no blisters).
Second-degree: Affects outer and deeper layers (blisters, very painful).
Third-degree: Full-thickness skin damage (white/chard, may be numb) — medical emergency.
Second-degree: Affects outer and deeper layers (blisters, very painful).
Third-degree: Full-thickness skin damage (white/chard, may be numb) — medical emergency.
Immediate First Aid (What to do right away)
Stop the burning source: Remove from heat/flame; extinguish flames and move to a safe area.
Cool the burn: Run cool (not icy) water over the area for 10–20 minutes. Do not use ice — it can cause further tissue damage.
Remove constrictive items: Gently take off rings, bracelets, tight clothing near the burn before swelling begins.
Cover the burn: Use a sterile non-adhesive dressing, clean cloth, or plastic wrap to protect the area and reduce contamination.
Avoid home remedies: Do not apply butter, oil, toothpaste, egg, or unprescribed ointments to burns.
Pain control: Over-the-counter pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen) can help — follow dosing guidance and check interactions.
How to Care for Minor Burns at Home
- Keep the area clean and covered with a sterile dressing; change daily or when soiled.
- Watch for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, pus, worsening pain, or fever.
- Avoid popping blisters — leave them intact to lower infection risk; if a blister breaks, clean and cover it.
- Moist wound dressings (as advised by pharmacist/clinician) may speed healing for some second-degree burns.
When to Seek Emergency Care
- Burns that are deep, large (bigger than the palm of the patient’s hand), or on the face, hands, feet, groin, or major joints.
- All suspected third-degree burns or electrical/chemical burns.
- Severe pain not controlled by OTC medicines, signs of infection, or if the injured person is very young, elderly, pregnant, or has significant medical conditions.
- Burns with inhalation injury (smoke inhalation, singed nasal hairs, voice changes, breathing difficulty) — call emergency services immediately.
Prevention Tips
- Set water heater temperature ≤ 49°C (120°F) to prevent scalds.
- Keep hot liquids and kettles out of children’s reach; use back burners and turn pot handles inwards.
- Use oven mitts and be cautious with grills, open flames, and chemicals.
- Store chemicals and flammable liquids safely; follow label instructions for handling.
- Install smoke alarms and have a fire escape plan at home.