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How to Treat a Burn at Home

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Quick Overview

IMPORTANT: This is general first aid info, not medical advice. For severe burns or uncertainty, CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES NOW. Stop, cool, cover. Know burn severity!

When to Call Emergency

Call 911 or local emergency for:

• Third-degree burns (charred, white leathery skin)

• Burns on face, hands, feet, genitals, major joints

• Large burns (bigger than your palm)

• Chemical or electrical burns

• Burns with trouble breathing

Burn Degrees

Degree Appearance Home Treatable?
1st Degree Red, painful, no blisters (sunburn) Yes
2nd Degree Blisters, swelling, very painful Small ones only; large seek help
3rd Degree White/charred, numb, leathery NO - Emergency immediately!

Immediate First Aid

Step-by-Step for Minor Burns

  1. STOP the burning: Move from source; remove jewelry/clothes near burn (unless stuck)
  2. COOL the burn: Run cool (not cold!) tap water for 10-20 minutes; no ice directly
  3. COVER: Dry gently; cover with sterile non-stick gauze or clean cloth; no bandages that stick
  4. PAIN RELIEF: OTC meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen; no aspirin for kids

What NOT to Do!

  • NO ice directly on burn - can damage tissue
  • NO butter, oils, toothpaste, egg whites - traps heat, risks infection
  • NO pop blisters - increases infection risk
  • NO tight bandages or sticky dressings
  • NO remove stuck clothing - cut around it if needed

First Degree Burn (Mild)

Treatment

  1. Cool water 10-20 min
  2. Aloe vera gel (pure) or gentle moisturizer
  3. OTC pain reliever
  4. Heals in ~3-6 days; peeling normal

Second Degree Burn (Small)

Treatment

  1. Cool water 10-20 min
  2. Don't pop blisters!
  3. Cover with sterile non-adherent dressing; change daily if needed
  4. Watch for infection: increasing redness, pus, swelling, fever, worsening pain
  5. Heals ~2 weeks; may scar

Special Cases

Chemical Burns

  1. Brush off dry chemicals first
  2. Rinse with cool running water for 20 minutes; remove contaminated clothing
  3. Call emergency for large or painful chemical burns

Electrical Burns

  1. Turn off power first; don't touch person if still connected!
  2. Call emergency immediately; internal damage possible

Sunburn

  1. Cool compresses or cool shower
  2. Aloe vera, gentle moisturizer
  3. Hydrate; pain relievers
  4. No further sun exposure while healing

Signs of Infection

See a doctor if you notice:

  • Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth
  • Pus or discharge, foul smell
  • Fever or chills
  • Increasing pain instead of improving
  • Red streaks spreading from burn

Healing & Aftercare

  • Keep clean & dry: Gently wash daily with mild soap; pat dry
  • Moisturize: Once healed, gentle unscented moisturizer helps itching
  • Sun protection: Healed skin is sensitive; sunscreen and covering for 1 year
  • Scar care: Silicone gel sheets may help with scars (ask doctor)

Disclaimer

This is for general information only and is NOT professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a doctor or qualified health provider with questions about medical conditions.

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