First Aid for Burns – Healthnile.com

Burns can happen in daily life from hot liquids, the sun, fire, chemicals, or electricity. Children often get burns in the kitchen from spills, while adults may suffer burns while cooking, working, or during accidents. Burns are classified by how deeply they affect the skin and tissue.

Some minor burns can be managed at home with simple first aid. More serious burns—especially those involving chemicals, electricity, or large surface areas—require emergency medical care. Knowing how to respond immediately improves recovery and may prevent long-term complications.

Types of Burns

Burns are typically classified into three degrees based on severity:

First-Degree Burns: Affect only the top layer of skin (epidermis). The skin appears red, dry, and painful—similar to sunburn.
Second-Degree Burns: Involve the epidermis and the layer beneath (dermis). These burns may cause blisters, swelling, and severe pain.
Third-Degree Burns: Damage all skin layers and underlying tissues. The burn site may appear white, leathery, charred, or numb due to nerve damage.

In addition, electrical and chemical burns may cause internal injuries even if the skin appears unaffected.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek emergency help or call 911 immediately if a burn:

Affects the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or a major joint.
Is larger than 3 inches (about 8 cm) in diameter.
Appears leathery, charred, white, or brown.
Results from electricity or chemicals.
Is associated with signs of smoke inhalation (burned nose/mouth, trouble breathing).
Causes swelling, fainting, or symptoms of shock (cool skin, rapid pulse).

Also, seek medical attention if:

A minor burn becomes redder, more painful, or starts to ooze.
You notice red streaks or develop a fever.
The burned person is a child, an older adult, or someone with a chronic illness.
The burn is in a sensitive area, like the eyes or genitals.
You haven’t had a tetanus booster in the last 5 years, and the burn is deep.

What You Can Do at Home (First Aid for Minor Burns)

If the burn is small, not blistering severely, and affects only the outer skin layer:

Cool the burn. Hold it under cool running water (not cold) for 10 to 20 minutes. If water is not available, use a cool, damp cloth.
Remove tight items. Gently take off rings, bracelets, or clothing around the area before swelling begins.
Apply a soothing lotion. Use aloe vera gel, cocoa butter, or an antibiotic ointment to keep the area moist and help reduce inflammation.
Cover with a sterile bandage. Use a clean, nonstick bandage and wrap it loosely to avoid pressure.
Take pain relievers. Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed for pain and swelling.
Keep the area clean and dry. Gently clean daily and reapply fresh ointment and bandages.

You can also elevate the affected area if possible to reduce swelling.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

Do not use ice or very cold water. It can further damage skin and slow healing.
Avoid applying butter, oils, or toothpaste. These can trap heat and may increase infection risk.
Don’t pop blisters. If a blister opens on its own, wash gently and apply antibiotic ointment.
Don’t remove stuck clothing. Cut around the fabric and leave it in place until medical help arrives.

Recognizing Serious Signs

Some symptoms may appear hours after a burn and signal complications. Call a healthcare provider if you notice:

Redness that spreads or worsens
Increased pain or swelling
Pus or cloudy fluid from blisters
Fever, chills, or weakness
Red streaks extending from the burn (sign of infection)

These signs may indicate an infection or systemic illness that needs medical treatment.

Long-Term Recovery Tips

After the burn begins healing:

Apply moisturizer regularly to prevent cracking and promote healing.
Avoid sunlight on the burn to reduce the chance of permanent discoloration or scarring.
Watch for stiffness. Burns over joints may cause tight skin. Ask your doctor about stretches or physical therapy if needed.
Wear soft, loose clothing and avoid irritating fabrics.
Don’t scratch itchy skin—apply lotion or cold compresses instead.

If you develop thick scars or restricted movement, your doctor may refer you to a burn specialist or physical therapist.

Burn Prevention at Home

Most burns can be prevented by practicing good safety habits, especially in the kitchen and around children:

Turn pot handles inward while cooking.
Keep hot drinks and pans away from counter edges and children.
Use the back burners of the stove when possible.
Install smoke detectors in the kitchen and test them monthly.
Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent scalds.
Test bath water before placing a child inside.
Keep chemicals out of reach and wear gloves when handling them.
Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen or near stoves and fireplaces.