How to Treat a Burn

88 authors | 333 revisions | Last updated: December 12, 2012

It may take an afternoon in the sun, or it can happen in an instant; no matter how long it takes,
burns are a common but extremely painful injury. While minor burns will heal without much
medical attention, severe burns require special care to prevent infection and reduce the severity
of scarring. Before you treat a burn, it is important to understand what kind—or degree—of burn
you have suffered. Read on for the best practices in burn treatment.

Edit Steps
Classify the Burn Before Treatment

Determine the severity of the burn. The severity of the burn will determine what treatment is
best.[1]

1. 1

First-degree burn. This is the most common, and least severe burn. The skin will look
somewhat red and the burn will be painful and very sensitive to the touch. This kind of
burn only involves the outer layer of skin (the epidermis), and is commonly the result of
sunburn (or tanning bed burn).
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2. 2

Second-degree burn. Second-degree burns are much more painful than first degree
burns and are usually accompanied swelling and blisters. A bad sunburn or a sunburn on
someone with very light skin my rise to the level of a second-degree burn. Second-degree
burns are also common in the kitchen—splattered hot oil, or an accidental bump of the
stove or oven electrical elements can fry skin in an instant.
 o Second degree burns occur when the epidermis has been burned through and the
second layer of skin (the dermis) has also been burned.
o The blisters are yellow in color and will pop on their own with new skin
developing underneath (after the layer of crackly film breaks off). Second-degree
burns related to the sun may or may not swell.
3. 3

Third-degree burn. One of the most severe type of burns, third-degree burns occur
when all the layers of the skin are burned through and the burn has reached the
underlying tissue. The skin may appear stiff and leathery in appearance, and may appear
waxy white. Damage to the nerves can also occur and numbness can develop in the area.
4. 4

Fourth-degree burn. Depending on the extent of nerve damage, there may be no pain at
all and the area will look blackened or charred. This is the most severe form of a burn
which reaches beyond the underlying tissue into the muscle, nerves and bones.

5. 5
 Chemical burn. Most chemical burns are caused by the common acids and alkali used in
industry. The burn appears gray to brown in color, due to the chemically broken down
protein on the skin. Chemical burns are deeper than they first appear which indicates
ongoing injury. Also, the degree of tissue damage takes longer to identify due to an
increase in depth after 13 to 24 hours.

Treatment of Minor Burns

1. 1

Administer first aid to treat your injury. First degree and second degree burns that are
fewer than three inches in diameter are generally considered minor burns.[1] These types
of burns usually heal quickly with minimal care. Follow these steps to administer first-aid
for minor burns.

2. 2

Cool the burned area. Run cool (not cold) water over the area for 10 to 15 minutes.[1]
Immerse the burn in cool water if running water is not available. Do not put ice directly
on the burn, as this can cause further damage to the skin.
3. 3

Do not put on a bandage. Bandages will cut off air, making the wound take longer to
heal.

4. 4

Take an analgesic (pain reliever). Any of the common over-the-counter pain relievers
will work. These include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen.

5. 5

Wrap the wounded area loosely with clean dry gauze. The gauze protects the burn
from air, debris, dirt and contamination. Use a non-stick dressing to prevent sticking to
the injury on a second-degree burn.
 o You should change the dressing every day, wash the wound gently and reapply
lotion or aloe as needed to prevent infection. Wash your hands before treating the
burn.
6. 6

Look out for signs of infection. Infection is uncommon with burns of this type, but is
possible if blisters occur.

Treatment of Major Burns

See a doctor immediately. Second-degree burns covering a larger area, third or fourth-degree
burns and any significant burns on the face, hands, feet, groin, or a large joint (e.g., knee or
elbow) should be treated as major burns.[1] With all major burns, seek medical help as soon as
possible. Follow the steps below to care for these burns until you can get the injured person into
the care of a doctor.

1. 1

Call for emergency services immediately.

2. 2

Do not remove any embedded charred clothing or material. Removing clothing from
burned areas is likely to cause bleeding.[2] However, if not stuck to the burn, you should
remove jewelry and unburned clothing if may constrict the burned area.[3]

3. 3

Apply cool, wet compresses to the burned area for a very brief period of time.[3].
This will reduce body temperature somewhat. However, do not use ice or immerse the
affected area in cold water for extended periods of time.

4. 4

Be prepared to treat the burn victim for shock. Look for shock symptoms: weak, rapid
pulse, clammy skin, disorientation or unconsciousness, nausea, combativeness.

o If possible, elevate the burn above the heart. This procedure will assist in reducing
the likelihood or severity of shock.
5. 5

Remain calm. Stay with the victim until help arrives.

Treatment of Chemical Burns

1. 1

Clean the wound. Use a brush to sweep off any powder or dry chemical if present.

2. 2
 Flush the affected area. Use cool, running water to flush chemicals off your body.

3. 3

Remove potential irritants. Take off any jewelry or clothing that has had contact with
the chemical.

4. 4

Protect the burned area. Wrap the burn with a clean cloth or a dry, sterile bandage.

When to See a Doctor

1. 1

Even minor burns can have a major, and very serious effect on the body. See a
doctor if the following conditions are encountered:

o A second-degree burn that is equal to or larger than 3 inches in diameter.

o For any third or fourth-degree burns.
o For any burns that cover large portions of the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or
a major joint on the body.
o If there is difficulty in breathing or if the burn affects the airway.
o Burns accompanied by smoke inhalation.
o If there is uncontrolled pain, weakness or illness.
Edit Video

How to treat burns and scalds on children

EditCauses of Burns
Burns occur when the skin is exposed to temperatures greater than 140 degrees F (60 C).
Exposure to various substances and elements can cause burns. The following lists the some
common causes of burns. [4]

 Fire
 Hot liquid or steam
 Hot objects like metal or glass
 Electricity
 Radiation from cancer treatments or diagnostic equipment like X-ray machines
 Ultraviolet light from tanning beds or the sun
 Chemicals like acids, alkalis, gasoline, paint thinner, and others
 Friction such as a rug burn

Edit Tips
 Never pop or burst any blister caused by a burn.
 Note that there are also fifth and sixth-degree burns, but these terms are typically used
only by medical professionals.
 Wash your hands before touching or treating burns. Wear gloves if at all possible
 This advice should not be substituted for medical attention. If in doubt, consult a
physician immediately.
 Anyone burned to the third-degree or above needs to be transported by ambulance (or
LifeFlight, depending on distance) to the nearest trauma center.
 Only use clean, pure, cool water OR saline solution if available as first aid for major
burns and protect the area with a sterile or very clean cloth, such as a sheet (but keep the
person warm in cold weather) and seek immediate medical attention.

Edit Warnings
 Burns from radioactive material are a whole different matter.
 See a doctor as soon as possible for any severe burns. These will not heal on their own
and will need medical attention.
 Do not treat major/serious burns using lotion, cream, oil, shortening (grease), butter or
any other ointments.
 o Such first aid slows down medical treatment because it will need to be removed
when proper medical care begins on the damaged areas.

Edit Things You'll Need

 Cool water, not very cold
 Analgesic
 Sterile bandages