How to Care for Minor Burns

You are working on routine vehicle maintenance, and suddenly a hose bursts, spraying a hot substance your way. This chore quickly turns into a medical situation. Maybe you are channeling your inner Gordon Ramsay and a missed flip splashes sizzling oil on you. Maybe a fun night around the campfire goes awry. No matter the cause, burns can be painful and proper medical care is essential.

First, assess your burn. Does it constitute a medical emergency?

If the burn penetrated all layers of the skin or is leathery in appearance with white, brown, or black patches, it is best to call 911 immediately—a trip to the emergency room should be your obvious path.

If the burn is minor, it is still critical to treat it properly.

Would you know what to do if you or a loved one experiences a minor burn? If not, it might be wise to review the dos and do nots of minor (first-degree) burn care.

DO:

Cool the burn by running it under cool water.

DO NOT:

Run very cold/icy water over the burn.

DO:

Apply a cool, wet compress on the burn.

DO NOT:

Apply ice, which can cause nerve damage!

DO:

Remove rings and/or tight areas of burned clothing before skin swells.

DO NOT:

Break blisters—as oddly tempting as this procedure may be, fluid-filled blisters are often the best defense against infection.

DO:

Consider a pain killer—but not an alcoholic drink. Although a rum cocktail may sound enticing, an over-the-counter pain reliever is recommended.

DO NOT:

Forget to stay hydrated. Your skin is trying to heal and can use all the hydration it can get.

DO:

Bandage the burn. You can cover it with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth.

DO NOT:

Hesitate to see a doctor. If the pain worsens or your burn begins to swell or ooze, it may be a sign of infection, and it is best to seek medical care.

DO:

Use ointment, such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera.

DO NOT:

Use creams or egg whites.

Correctly taking care of your minor burn will help it heal quickly and prevent further damage. The next time you are working with hot substances, wear proper protective clothing to prevent a painful situation.

SEE THESE RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/thermal-heat-or-fire-burns-treatment

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370545

https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/ss/slideshow-burns-causes-treatments