This page is designed to help provide some guidance on how to treat minor burns on your own. Burns are classified into three different types: first degree burn, second degree burn, and third degree burn. Although third degree burns need immediate assessment by a medical professional, first degree and very small second degree burns can usually be treated without physician referral. However, if you are unsure, or in the case of an emergency, activate EMS or EMERG for emergency medical assistance.The following information regarding burns is provided by the Mayo Clinic.

Lastly, when treating burns remember to avoid doing any of the following things:

• Do not use ice
• Do not apply butter or ointments to the burn
• Do not break blisters

First Degree Burns

Signs and Symptoms:

• First degree burns are usually the least serious burn.
• Only the outer layer of skin is burned.
• Skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present.
• The outer layer of skin hasn't been burned through.
• Treat a first degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint.

Treatment:

• Cool the Burn
  • Hold the burned area under cold water or cold compresses for at least five minutes, or until the pain subsides. Cooling the burn reduces swelling. Do NOT put ice on the burn.
• Cover the Burn
  • Do NOT use fluffy cotton. Wrap gauze loosely around the burn, and avoid putting pressure on the burned skin.
• Take an over the counter pain killer
  • Take something like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Second Degree Burns

Signs and Symptoms:

• Classified as a second degree burn when the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned
• Blisters develop
• Skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance.
• Second degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.
• If the second degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.

Treatment for Minor Second Degree Burns:

• Cool the Burn
  • Hold the burned area under cold water or cold compresses for at least five minutes, or until the pain subsides. Cooling the burn reduces swelling. Do NOT put ice on the burn.
• Cover the Burn
  • Do NOT use fluffy cotton. Wrap gauze loosely around the burn, and avoid putting pressure on the burned skin.
• Take an over the counter pain killer
  • Take something like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Third Degree Burns

Signs and Symptoms:

• The most serious burns are painless
• Involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage.
• Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected.
• Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white.
• Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.

Treatment for Second Degree Burns Greater Than 3 inches and all Third Degree Burns:

• Dial 911 Immediately
• While waiting for EMS complete the following steps
• Don't remove burnt clothing
• Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water
• Check for signs of circulation
• Elevate the burned body part or parts
• Cover the area of the burn

HOME | ABOUT | CONTACT | LINKS