Category: Health & Safety

Treating Minor Burns

A burn can happen quickly while cooking, handling a hot drink, using an appliance, working around steam, spending time in the sun, or touching a hot surface. Even a small burn can be painful and frightening.

Many minor burns can be treated at home. The first priorities are to stop the burning process, cool the injured skin, remove tight items before swelling begins, protect the area, and watch for signs that professional care is needed.

Not every burn that looks small is minor. Electrical burns, chemical burns, burns involving certain parts of the body, and burns affecting infants, older adults, or medically vulnerable people may require prompt medical evaluation.

Move Away From the Source

Before treating the injury, make sure the burning has stopped.

Depending on what happened:

• Move away from a hot surface, flame, steam, or hot liquid.
• Turn off an appliance if you can do so safely.
• Move out of direct sunlight.
• Remove hot, wet clothing when it is not stuck to the skin.
• Remove jewelry, watches, belts, and tight clothing near the burn.
• Turn off electrical power before approaching someone who received an electrical shock.
• Move away from chemical fumes or spills without exposing yourself.

Do not place yourself in danger while attempting to help. Call 911 if there is an active fire, live electrical source, chemical hazard, explosion risk, or unsafe environment.

Decide Whether the Burn Is Minor

A minor burn generally:

• Is small
• Affects only the outer layers of skin
• Is red or pink
• May be mildly swollen
• Is painful or tender
• May have a small blister
• Does not appear white, brown, black, charred, or leathery
• Does not involve a high-risk area
• Was not caused by electricity, a serious chemical, or an explosion

Burn depth can be difficult to judge immediately. Some burns continue developing after the original exposure, and pain does not always indicate severity. A deep burn can sometimes damage nerves and feel less painful than expected.

When you are unsure whether a burn is minor, contact a healthcare professional.

Call 911 for a Serious Burn

Call 911 or your local emergency number when:

• The person has trouble breathing.
• The person inhaled smoke, steam, or chemical fumes.
• There are burns around the mouth, nose, or face.
• The person has soot around the nose or mouth.
• The person is confused, unconscious, or difficult to wake.
• The burn is deep, charred, leathery, white, brown, or black.
• The burn covers a large area.
• The burn wraps completely around an arm, leg, finger, toe, or the chest.
• The burn affects the face, airway, neck, hands, feet, genitals, buttocks, or a major joint.
• The burn was caused by electricity, lightning, an explosion, or a strong chemical.
• The person shows signs of shock, such as pale or clammy skin, rapid breathing, weakness, or confusion.
• The burn occurred with another serious injury.
• The person cannot be transported safely.

Burns can swell quickly and affect breathing or circulation. Do not wait for the injury to look worse before requesting emergency help.

Cool the Burn With Running Water

For a minor heat-related burn:

1. Place the burned area under clean, cool running water.
2. Continue cooling it for approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
3. Use cool water, not ice water.
4. If running water is unavailable, apply a clean cloth soaked in cool water and replace it as the cloth warms.

Cooling helps stop heat from continuing to damage the tissue and may reduce pain and swelling.

Do not use:

• Ice
• Ice water
• Frozen packs directly against the burn
• Snow
• Extremely cold water

Extreme cold can reduce blood flow and cause additional tissue damage.

Mayo Clinic recommends cooling a minor burn with cool—not cold—running water and avoiding ice, butter, oils, toothpaste, and other substances that may worsen the injury. Mayo Clinic: Burns—First Aid

Remove Tight Items Before Swelling Begins

Burned areas may swell quickly. Remove rings, watches, bracelets, tight sleeves, belts, shoes, or other restrictive items near the injury.

Do this gently and only when the item is not stuck to the skin.

Do not pull away clothing or material that has melted onto or become attached to the burn. Cut loose fabric around the stuck area if necessary, leave the attached material in place, and seek medical help.

A ring or bracelet that is easy to remove immediately may become difficult or dangerous to remove after swelling develops.

Gently Clean a Minor Burn

After cooling the burn:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Gently clean the area with mild soap and water.
3. Pat it dry with clean gauze or a soft towel.
4. Do not scrub the damaged skin.
5. Do not peel away loose skin.

A small amount of gentle cleaning can remove dirt and reduce contamination. Avoid harsh antiseptics, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or strong iodine solutions unless a healthcare professional directs you to use them.

Cover the Burn

Protect the cooled burn with a sterile, nonstick dressing.

To cover it:

1. Place the nonstick dressing loosely over the burn.
2. Secure it with gauze or medical tape.
3. Avoid placing adhesive directly on burned skin.
4. Do not wrap the area tightly.
5. Make sure fingers or toes remain warm and their normal color.

A dressing can protect the burn from dirt, friction, and accidental contact. It may also reduce pain by keeping air away from sensitive tissue.

Do not use fluffy cotton or material that may leave fibers inside the wound.

Change the dressing:

• At least once a day
• Whenever it becomes wet
• Whenever it becomes dirty
• If drainage soaks through
• According to a healthcare professional’s instructions

Wash your hands before and after changing the dressing.

Using Petroleum Jelly or Aloe

After the burn has been thoroughly cooled, a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly or an appropriate aloe product may help protect and soothe a small, superficial burn.

Avoid products containing:

• Fragrance
• Alcohol
• Dyes
• Numbing ingredients unless recommended
• Ingredients that have previously caused a skin reaction

Some topical antibiotic ointments can cause an allergic rash. They are not automatically necessary for every minor burn. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are unsure what product to use.

Do not apply thick ointments before cooling the burn. Greasy products can trap heat when applied too early.

Do Not Use Household Burn Remedies

Avoid applying:

• Butter
• Cooking oil
• Toothpaste
• Egg whites
• Flour
• Mayonnaise
• Grease
• Mud
• Powder
• Household creams
• Ice directly on the skin

These products do not safely remove heat and may irritate the tissue, trap heat, contaminate the injury, or make the burn harder to examine.

The best immediate treatment for a small heat-related burn is clean, cool running water.

Leave Blisters Alone

Blisters form a natural protective covering over damaged skin. Do not intentionally pop, cut, peel, or drain them.

A broken blister increases the risk of infection and may be more painful.

If a blister breaks on its own:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Gently clean the area with mild soap and water.
3. Do not pull off attached skin.
4. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a product recommended by a healthcare professional.
5. Cover the area with a sterile, nonstick dressing.
6. Watch for infection.

Seek medical care for large, tense, painful, or widespread blisters, especially when they affect the hands, feet, face, genitals, or a joint.

Managing Pain

A minor burn may remain painful after cooling.

A nonprescription pain reliever may help, but it may not be safe for everyone. Before using one, read the label and ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist if the person:

• Takes other medications
• Has kidney, liver, stomach, heart, or bleeding problems
• Takes blood-thinning medication
• Has medication allergies
• Is pregnant
• Is an older adult
• Is a child

Never give aspirin to a child or teenager unless a healthcare professional specifically recommends it.

Do not apply numbing sprays or creams to damaged skin unless instructed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Elevate the Burned Area

If practical, keep a burned hand, arm, foot, or leg raised above heart level. Elevation may reduce swelling.

Do not force the person into an uncomfortable position, and do not elevate the area when another injury may be present.

Check rings, watches, shoes, or bandages again if swelling increases.

Burns on the Hands, Feet, Face, or Joints

A burn does not need to be large to cause a serious problem.

Seek professional medical advice for burns involving:

• The face
• The eyes
• The mouth
• The hands or fingers
• The feet or toes
• The genitals
• The buttocks
• The neck
• A major joint
• An area that completely circles a limb or digit

Scarring or swelling in these areas may affect movement, vision, breathing, eating, or other important functions. A healthcare professional may recommend special dressings, exercises, or follow-up care.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns require different precautions. Household cleaners, drain products, pool chemicals, industrial products, wet cement, and other substances can continue damaging tissue until they are removed.

If a chemical contacts the skin:

1. Protect yourself with gloves or other barriers.
2. Move the person away from the source.
3. Brush off a dry chemical carefully before adding water, when this can be done safely.
4. Remove contaminated clothing and jewelry.
5. Rinse the affected area with large amounts of running water.
6. Contact Poison Control or emergency services for specific instructions.
7. Keep the product container or name available.

Do not try to neutralize one chemical with another. The resulting reaction may produce additional heat or harmful fumes.

In the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for severe pain, breathing problems, loss of consciousness, a large exposure, or a burn affecting the eyes, face, airway, hands, genitals, or another high-risk area.

Mayo Clinic recommends prolonged rinsing for many chemical exposures and immediate care for deep, large, or high-risk chemical burns. Mayo Clinic: Chemical Burns—First Aid

Different chemicals require different responses. Follow the product’s emergency instructions, Poison Control guidance, or directions from emergency professionals.

Chemical Exposure to the Eyes

Chemical exposure to the eyes can cause permanent injury.

Begin rinsing immediately with clean, room-temperature water. Remove contact lenses if they come out easily during rinsing. Hold the eyelids open and allow water to flow across the eye without contaminating the unaffected eye.

Contact Poison Control and seek emergency medical care. Do not delay rinsing while searching for the product container or arranging transportation.

Do not place ointment, medication, or neutralizing chemicals in the eye unless directed by a qualified professional.

Electrical Burns

Electrical injuries may cause serious damage beneath the skin even when the visible burn is small. Electricity can affect the heart, muscles, nerves, and internal organs.

Before touching someone who is in contact with electricity:

• Turn off the power source.
• Unplug the appliance when it is safe.
• Do not touch the person while current is still flowing.
• Stay away from downed or high-voltage power lines.
• Call 911.

A person who has experienced a significant electrical shock should receive professional medical evaluation. Call 911 if the person has confusion, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, an abnormal heartbeat, seizures, severe burns, or another concerning symptom.

Do not treat a significant electrical injury as an ordinary minor skin burn.

Grease and Cooking Burns

Hot oil and grease can cause deep burns because they reach high temperatures and may cling to the skin.

If hot grease contacts the skin:

1. Move away from the heat source.
2. Remove contaminated clothing if it is not stuck.
3. Cool the area under cool running water.
4. Remove rings or tight items.
5. Cover the burn loosely.
6. Seek care if it is deep, blistered, large, or affects a high-risk area.

Never throw water onto a grease fire. Water can cause burning grease to spread or erupt.

Turn off the heat if it is safe, cover the pan with a metal lid or baking sheet, and use an appropriate fire extinguisher. If the fire is spreading or cannot be controlled immediately, leave the area and call 911.

Do not carry a burning pan through the home.

Sunburn

A mild sunburn may be treated with:

• Cool showers or baths
• Cool, damp cloths
• Gentle fragrance-free moisturizer
• Fluids
• Protection from additional sun exposure
• An appropriate pain reliever when safe

Do not pop sunburn blisters.

Seek medical care for:

• Extensive blistering
• Severe pain
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Signs of dehydration
• Signs of infection
• Sunburn affecting a very young child
• Symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke

A person with confusion, collapse, seizures, or other signs of heat stroke needs emergency care.

Burns in Children and Older Adults

Infants, young children, and older adults may experience more serious complications from burns. Their skin may be more vulnerable, and even a relatively small burn can affect body temperature or fluid balance.

Contact a healthcare professional sooner when:

• The injured person is an infant.
• A young child develops blistering.
• An older adult has fragile skin or reduced sensation.
• The person cannot clearly describe their pain.
• The person has mobility, circulation, or healing difficulties.
• You are uncertain about the burn’s depth.

If a child’s burn has an unusual shape, a clear line, a glove-like or sock-like pattern, or an explanation that does not match the injury, seek professional help. Burns may sometimes be signs of unsafe care or abuse.

Medical Conditions That Increase Risk

Seek medical advice sooner if the person:

• Has diabetes
• Has poor circulation
• Has reduced sensation
• Has a weakened immune system
• Takes medications that suppress the immune system
• Has a history of slow-healing wounds
• Is medically fragile
• Cannot care for the burn independently

A person with reduced sensation may not accurately feel the depth or progression of the injury. Check the area visually and obtain professional guidance.

Check Tetanus Vaccination Status

Burns that damage or break the skin may create a tetanus risk.

A healthcare professional may recommend a tetanus-containing vaccine depending on the depth and condition of the burn and the person’s vaccination history.

Contact a doctor or pharmacy if:

• You do not know when the last tetanus vaccine was given.
• The vaccination series was never completed.
• The burn is deep, contaminated, or significant.
• A healthcare professional recommends a booster.

Do not use antibiotics as a substitute for tetanus vaccination.

Watch the Burn as It Heals

A minor burn should gradually become less painful and begin healing.

Possible normal changes include:

• Mild redness or discoloration
• Tenderness
• A small amount of swelling
• Itching as the skin heals
• Peeling
• Gradual reduction in pain

Contact a healthcare professional if you notice:

• Increasing pain
• Spreading redness or discoloration
• Increased warmth or swelling
• Pus or cloudy drainage
• An unpleasant smell
• Fever or chills
• Red or dark streaks extending from the burn
• New numbness
• A blister that becomes increasingly painful
• A wound that is not healing
• Reduced movement near the burned area

Redness can be less obvious on brown or Black skin. Look for swelling, warmth, tenderness, drainage, or changes that appear darker, purplish, grayish, or different from the surrounding skin.

Protect Healing Skin

Treating Minor Burns

Category: Health & Safety

Treating Minor Burns

A minor burn can happen quickly while cooking, ironing clothes, using a heating appliance, touching a hot surface, spilling a hot drink, or spending too much time in the sun.

Many small, shallow burns can be treated at home. Immediate first aid can reduce pain, limit additional tissue damage, and protect the injured skin while it heals.

The first priorities are to move away from the source of the burn, cool the area with cool running water, remove tight items before swelling develops, and determine whether the burn is truly minor.

Chemical burns, electrical burns, smoke exposure, and deep or widespread burns require additional caution and often need immediate professional care.

Stop the Burning Process

Before treating the injury, make sure the person is no longer being exposed to the heat or other source of the burn.

When it is safe:

• Move away from the hot surface, steam, or liquid.
• Turn off the appliance or heat source.
• Remove hot, wet clothing that is not stuck to the skin.
• Remove jewelry, watches, belts, or other tight items near the injury.
• Extinguish burning clothing using water or the stop, drop, and roll method.
• Move out of direct sunlight when treating a sunburn.

Do not touch someone who is still connected to an electrical source. Turn off the power first or call 911 and wait for trained responders.

Do not pull away clothing or other material that is stuck to burned skin.

Cool the Burn With Running Water

Place a minor thermal burn under clean, cool running water for approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

The water should feel cool but not extremely cold. Cooling the area helps stop heat from continuing to damage the skin and can reduce pain and swelling.

If running water is not available, apply a clean cloth soaked in cool water. Replace or rewet the cloth as it becomes warm.

Do not:

• Place ice directly on the burn
• Use ice water
• Rub the burned skin
• Use snow or frozen objects
• Apply butter, cooking oil, grease, or toothpaste
• Delay cooling while searching for ointments

Extreme cold can further injure the tissue and reduce blood flow. Greasy substances can trap heat against the skin and make the injury more difficult to clean.

Current first-aid guidance recommends cooling a minor burn with cool—not cold—running water and avoiding ice, butter, oil, and toothpaste. Mayo Clinic: Burns—First Aid

Remove Rings and Tight Items

Burned areas may swell rapidly.

Remove rings, bracelets, watches, shoes, belts, and tight clothing near the burn as soon as possible, provided they are not stuck to the skin.

Be especially careful with burns involving fingers, hands, wrists, feet, or ankles. A ring or tight item can interfere with circulation after swelling begins.

If an item cannot be removed easily, do not force it. Seek medical attention.

Determine Whether the Burn Is Minor

A minor burn generally:

• Covers a small area
• Is limited to the surface or upper layers of skin
• Is red, tender, and painful
• May have a small blister
• Does not appear white, brown, black, charred, or leathery
• Does not cause numbness
• Does not involve smoke inhalation
• Was not caused by electricity or a strong chemical

The appearance of a burn can change during the hours after the injury. A burn that initially appears minor may develop swelling, blistering, discoloration, or increasing pain.

When you are uncertain about the depth or seriousness of a burn, contact a healthcare professional.

Understanding Burn Depth

People often describe burns using degrees, but determining depth can be difficult without medical training.

Superficial Burns

A superficial burn affects the outer layer of skin.

It may cause:

• Redness or discoloration
• Pain
• Mild swelling
• Warmth
• Dry skin

A mild sunburn is a common example.

Partial-Thickness Burns

A partial-thickness burn extends into a deeper layer of skin.

It may cause:

• Blisters
• Significant pain
• Swelling
• Bright red, pink, or mottled skin
• A wet or shiny appearance

Some small partial-thickness burns can heal with appropriate care, but larger, deeper, or specially located burns need professional evaluation.

Full-Thickness Burns

A full-thickness burn damages all layers of the skin and possibly deeper tissue.

The area may appear:

• White
• Brown
• Black
• Charred
• Dry
• Waxy
• Leathery

A deep burn may be surprisingly painless or numb because nerves have been damaged. Lack of pain does not mean the burn is minor.

Full-thickness burns require emergency medical care.

Call 911 for a Major Burn

Call 911 or your local emergency number when:

• The person has difficulty breathing.
• The burn occurred in a fire, explosion, or smoke-filled space.
• The person inhaled smoke, steam, or chemical fumes.
• The burn is deep, charred, leathery, white, brown, or black.
• A large portion of the body is burned.
• The burn encircles an arm, leg, finger, toe, neck, or chest.
• The burn is on the face, mouth, throat, or airway.
• The person has signs of shock, such as pale or clammy skin, confusion, weakness, or rapid breathing.
• The burn resulted from high-voltage electricity or lightning.
• A strong chemical caused the injury.
• The person is unconscious or has another serious injury.
• Swelling is developing rapidly.

While waiting for emergency responders:

• Make sure the person is away from the source when it is safe.
• Check breathing.
• Remove tight items that are not stuck.
• Cover the burn loosely with clean, dry gauze or cloth.
• Keep the person comfortably warm without placing material directly on the burned area.
• Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Do not immerse a person with a large burn in cold water. Excessive cooling can cause a dangerous drop in body temperature.

Burns That Need Prompt Medical Evaluation

Even a relatively small burn may require professional care when it:

• Is larger than the person’s palm
• Is on the face, eyes, ears, hands, feet, groin, genitals, buttocks, or a major joint
• Encircles part of the body
• Crosses a joint and may limit movement
• Has large or multiple blisters
• Appears deeper than a surface burn
• Was caused by a chemical or electrical current
• Was caused by hot tar, melted plastic, or another material stuck to the skin
• Is contaminated with dirt or debris
• Is becoming more painful, swollen, or discolored
• Is not healing as expected

Contact a healthcare professional sooner when the injured person:

• Is an infant or young child
• Is an older adult
• Has diabetes
• Has poor circulation
• Has reduced sensation
• Has a weakened immune system
• Has a condition that affects wound healing
• Cannot reliably describe pain or symptoms

Covering a Minor Burn

After cooling the burn, gently pat the surrounding skin dry.

Cover the area loosely with:

• A sterile nonstick dressing
• Sterile gauze designed for burns
• A clean, smooth cloth when no medical dressing is available

The dressing can:

• Protect the skin from dirt
• Reduce friction
• Protect blisters
• Reduce discomfort caused by air moving over the area
• Absorb a small amount of drainage

Do not wrap the dressing tightly. Swelling may continue after the burn occurs.

Avoid fluffy cotton or material that may leave fibers in the wound.

Ointments, Aloe, and Moisturizers

After the burn has been thoroughly cooled, a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly or an appropriate aloe product may help keep a small superficial burn from drying out.

Use only a clean product intended for use on skin. Avoid products containing fragrances, alcohol, or irritating ingredients.

Some antibiotic ointments cause allergic rashes. A minor, clean burn does not automatically require a topical antibiotic. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are uncertain about what to use.

Do not apply:

• Butter
• Cooking oil
• Grease
• Toothpaste
• Egg whites
• Flour
• Baking soda
• Thick household creams
• Essential oils
• Unapproved herbal remedies

These products may trap heat, irritate the skin, contaminate the burn, or make medical evaluation more difficult.

Do Not Break Blisters

Blisters help protect the damaged tissue underneath.

Do not:

• Pop a blister
• Cut away blistered skin
• Drain it with a needle
• Peel away loose skin
• Apply adhesive tape directly over it

Cover the blister loosely with a nonstick dressing and protect it from friction.

If a blister breaks on its own:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Gently rinse the area with clean water.
3. Do not pull away attached skin.
4. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or an ointment recommended by a healthcare professional.
5. Cover it with a sterile nonstick dressing.
6. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.

Seek medical advice if the blister is large, very painful, located on a vulnerable part of the body, or shows signs of infection.

Changing the Dressing

Change the dressing:

• At least once each day
• Whenever it becomes wet
• Whenever it becomes dirty
• If it begins to loosen
• If drainage soaks through

Each time:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove the old dressing gently.
3. Check the burn for changes.
4. Clean it carefully with mild soap and water if needed.
5. Apply a fresh thin layer of the recommended product.
6. Cover it with a clean nonstick dressing.
7. Wash your hands again.

If the bandage sticks, moisten it with clean water rather than pulling it off forcefully.

Managing Pain

A minor burn may remain sore for several days.

Nonprescription pain relievers may help, but they are not safe for everyone. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist before taking a pain reliever if you:

• Take prescription medications
• Take blood thinners
• Have kidney, liver, stomach, or heart problems
• Have a bleeding disorder
• Are pregnant
• Have medication allergies
• Are giving medicine to a child

Read the label, take only the recommended amount, and avoid taking multiple products containing the same ingredient.

Do not apply a numbing medication or pain-relief cream to open or blistered skin unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns require different precautions. The chemical may continue damaging the skin until it is removed.

If a dry chemical is on the skin:

1. Protect yourself by using gloves when available.
2. Carefully brush away the dry material.
3. Remove contaminated clothing or jewelry.
4. Rinse the area with large amounts of running water.

For most liquid chemical exposures, begin rinsing immediately with running water and continue for at least 20 minutes unless the product label or emergency professional gives different instructions.

Avoid spreading the chemical to unaffected skin. Protect the eyes from contaminated runoff.

Call Poison Control in the United States at 1-800-222-1222 for instructions. Have the product container, label, or chemical name available.

Call 911 for severe symptoms, large or deep chemical burns, breathing difficulty, eye exposure, unconsciousness, or burns involving the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or a major joint.

Do not attempt to neutralize one chemical with another. A chemical reaction may generate heat or cause additional injury.

Electrical Burns

Electrical injuries can cause serious internal damage even when the skin burn looks small.

Before approaching the person:

• Turn off the electrical source.
• Unplug the device if it can be done safely.
• Do not touch the person while they remain connected to electricity.
• Stay away from downed or high-voltage wires.
• Call 911 when high voltage, lightning, loss of consciousness, chest symptoms, confusion, seizures, serious burns, or breathing problems are involved.

A person may need medical evaluation after an electrical injury because the current can affect the heart, muscles, nerves, and internal tissues.

Treating only the visible skin mark may miss a more serious injury.

Grease and Kitchen Burns

Hot grease can cause a deeper burn because it reaches high temperatures and sticks to the skin.

If grease contacts the skin:

1. Move away from the heat source.
2. Remove contaminated clothing if it is not stuck.
3. Cool the area under cool running water.
4. Assess the size, depth, and location of the burn.
5. Seek care for blistering, deep burns, large areas, or burns involving the hands, face, feet, or joints.

Never throw water onto a grease fire. Water can cause burning grease to splash and spread the flames.

Turn off the heat if you can do so safely, cover the pan with a metal lid or baking sheet, and use an appropriate fire extinguisher. Leave the area and call 911 if the fire cannot be controlled immediately.

Sunburn

A mild sunburn may be treated with:

• A cool bath or shower
• Cool, damp cloths
• A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer
• Aloe intended for use on skin
• Additional fluids
• Protection from further sun exposure
• An appropriate nonprescription pain reliever

Do not break sunburn blisters.

Seek medical care for:

• Extensive blistering
• Severe pain
• Fever
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Vomiting
• Signs of dehydration
• Signs of infection
• Symptoms of heat illness

Continue protecting the burned skin from the sun while it heals.

Watch for Infection

Check the burn each day.

Possible signs of infection include:

• Increasing pain
• Increasing swelling
• Redness or discoloration spreading beyond the burn
• Increased warmth
• Pus or cloudy drainage
• A bad odor
• Red or dark streaks extending from the area
• Fever or chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• A wound that is not healing

Redness can be more difficult to see on brown or Black skin. Look for warmth, swelling, tenderness, drainage, or an area that has become darker, grayish, purplish, or otherwise different from the surrounding skin.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly when signs of infection develop.

Ask About Tetanus Protection

Burns that damage or break the skin may create a tetanus risk.

Contact a healthcare professional if:

• The burn is deep.
• The burn is contaminated.
• Your vaccination history is incomplete.
• You have never received a tetanus vaccine.
• You do not know when your last tetanus vaccine was given.
• It has been several years since your last dose.

A healthcare professional can determine whether a booster or other treatment is appropriate based on the burn and your vaccination history.

Healing and Scar Prevention

A small superficial burn may heal within several days. A deeper minor burn may take a few weeks.

As the burn heals:

• Keep it clean.
• Protect it from friction.
• Do not pick at peeling skin or scabs.
• Continue changing the dressing as needed.
• Avoid direct sun exposure.
• Use moisturizer after the skin has closed.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on healed skin when exposed to sunlight.
• Follow professional instructions for movement if the burn crosses a joint.

Newly healed skin may be more sensitive to sunlight and may change color more easily.

Seek medical advice if the burn has not healed within approximately two weeks, repeatedly opens, causes increasing pain, or limits movement.

Common Burn-Care Mistakes

Try not to:

• Use ice or ice water.
• Apply butter, oil, toothpaste, or household remedies.
• Break blisters.
• Peel away burned skin.
• Pull off clothing stuck to the burn.
• Wrap the area tightly.
• Use fluffy material that may stick.
• Apply adhesive directly to burned skin.
• Assume an electrical burn is minor because the mark is small.
• Attempt to neutralize a chemical with another chemical.
• Throw water onto a grease fire.
• Ignore numbness because the burn does not hurt.
• Delay care for burns involving the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints.
• Ignore increasing pain, swelling, drainage, or fever.

A Simple Minor-Burn Checklist

For a small thermal burn:

1. Move away from the heat source.
2. Remove hot clothing that is not stuck.
3. Remove rings and tight items.
4. Cool the burn under cool running water for 10 to 20 minutes.
5. Determine whether the burn is truly minor.
6. Cover it loosely with a sterile nonstick dressing.
7. Do not break blisters.
8. Change the dressing daily or when wet or dirty.
9. Watch for infection or worsening symptoms.
10. Seek professional care when the burn is deep, large, specially located, or not healing properly.

A burn may continue changing after the initial injury. Continue monitoring it even when the pain improves, and ask for professional guidance whenever the depth or seriousness is uncertain.

Helpful Resources: Browse Burns & Minor Injuries for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Suggested Guides

• First Aid Basics: What Everyone Should Know
• Treating Minor Cuts, Scrapes & Puncture Wounds
• Choosing Between Your Doctor, Urgent Care & the Emergency Room
• Recognizing When a Problem Is an Emergency

Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.