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Burns and scalds

Burns and scalds can often be treated at home if they're small. But if they're severe, you may need treatment in hospital.

How burns and scalds happen

Burns usually happen when dry heat comes into contact with your skin, such as fire or a hot iron, for example. Burns can also be caused by electricity or chemicals.

Scalds are caused by hot liquids or steam.

Find out more about acid and chemical burns.

What to do if you have a burn or scald

You should treat all burns and scalds straight away.

  1. Hold the burn or scald under cool running water for at least 15 minutes, or until the pain feels better. If there's no running water available, you can use cool bottled water.
  2. Remove any clothing or jewellery that's near the affected area – but do not remove anything that is stuck to the affected area.
  3. When the burn or scald has cooled, lay cling film over it if you can. Do not wrap the cling film around it.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You have a burn or scald that:

  • is very large or deep
  • is on your face, genitals or bottom
  • has been caused by an acid or chemical, or by electricity
Find your nearest A&E
Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you or your child has a burn or scald and you're not sure what to do

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old.

Treatments for burns and scalds

Small burns and scalds can often be treated at home and can take around 2 weeks to heal.

Severe burns and scalds that are large or deep may need treatment in hospital.

Treatment in hospital may include:

  • medicines, such as antibiotics or painkillers
  • having your burn or scald cleaned and dressed
  • being given fluids, usually through a vein in your arm (IV)
  • surgery, which may be done to repair the wound or to reconstruct damaged skin

Things you can do to help while burns and scalds heal

There are things you can do to help while a burn or scald is healing.

Do

  • take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain

  • use an emollient ointment on the affected area if it becomes itchy and dry as it heals – you can ask a pharmacist for advice about what to use

Don't

  • do not put any creams, oils or butter on burns or scalds

  • do not use plasters or sticky dressings to cover a burn or scald

  • do not burst any blisters

Page last reviewed: 31 March 2026
Next review due: 31 March 2029