Burns happen when your skin comes into contact with something hot, such as fire, or if you are exposed to a radiated heat source, such as the sun.
You can also be burned by certain chemicals, electricity, and friction. A scald is a burn that is caused by a hot liquid, or steam, and can be treated in the same way as a burn.
Burns are usually divided into three categories depending on how much of the skin they affect. Superficial burns (first degree) affect the surface of the skin, making it red, swollen, and painful. This sort of burn can be treated at home and usually heals in between 7-10 days. Partial (second degree) and full thickness (third degree) burns are much more serious, and require medical attention.
Treating minor burns
To treat superficial (minor) burns at home follow the advice below.
- Cool the skin using cool, or tepid, water for between 10-30 minutes, ideally within 20 minutes of the injury happening. This will prevent the burn getting worse.
- Do not use ice, iced water, creams, or greasy substances, such as butter to sooth the burn. A cool bath, or shower, will help to soothe the burn.
- Cover the burn using cling film, in a layer over the burn, rather than wrapping it around a limb. A clean, clear plastic bag is suitable to use for burns on your hand.
- If the burn is painful, taking a mild painkiller, such as paracetamol, or ibuprofen, can help. However, always check the packaging to make sure that you take the correct dosage.
- Do not interfere with the burn, or break any blisters. If the burn is very painful, or seems to be getting worse, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, or visit your GP for advice.
Deep, or large burns, or burns to the face, hands, or across joints, must always be checked by a doctor and may require hospital treatment.
Treating chemical burns
If a chemical, such as bleach, or acid, burn your skin, you should follow the advice below.
- Remove any chemicals from the skin by running the affected area under cool tap water for 20 minutes, or more. If the chemical involved is in powder form, such as lime, brush it off the skin before running the skin under water.
- Remove any jewellery, or clothing, that may have been exposed to the chemical.
- Apply a cool wet towel to help relieve pain.
- Cover the burnt skin with a dry, sterile dressing, or clean cloth.
- If you experience an increased sensation of burning, rewash the skin for several more minutes.
You should visit your local accident and emergency (A&E) department so that the burn can be assessed and, if necessary, treated.
Treating electrical burns
Electrical burns may not look serious, but they can be very damaging. Someone who has an electrical burn should seek immediate medical attention.
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