Summer First Aid Tips for Minor Burns

The type of first aid depends on the type of burns a person has acquired. Treatment approach is either for minor burns or for major burns.

First- and second-degree burns are considered minor burn while third-degree burns are considered major burns (first aid for major burns will be discussed on separate article). In some cases, treatment for major burns may apply on second-degree burns.

First aid tips for minor burns:

• Cool and clean the burn. Soak the affected area of the skin under cold water for at least 5 minutes or until the pain subsides. If soaking is impractical, run cold water over the area of the burn instead. If both are unavailable, cool the burn with cold compress. Soak soft cotton to cold water and use is as cold compress. Cooling the burn is an effective way to reduce inflammation as well. Caution: Do not use ice-cold water or place ice on the affected area of the skin. Ice can cause frostbite, which can further damage the skin.
• Wrap the burn with dry, sterile gauze bondage or clean dressing. Don't use anything that can cause skin irritation. Do not wrap the skin too tightly or put pressure on burned skin. Doing this reduces pain and protects the skin from irritation and blistering.
• Do not use butter, ointment, cream, or oil spray as household remedy.
• Do not disturb dead or blistered skin by applying contact or removing clothing that is still stuck to the skin. Do not break the blisters as this will disrupt normal healing.
• If necessary, take over-the-counter pain reliever. Ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, and naproxen are good. Teenagers and children should not be given aspirin.
• Minor burns will heal after several days without the need for further treatment. But if it is a second-degree burn with considerable size, or if the burn is located on the face, hands, feet, groin, major joints, or buttocks, treat it the way you treat a third degree burn.

Do not hesitate to call for emergency help if the burn is the size of your palm or larger, if you are not sure how serious it is, if you think it is a third-degree burn, if you inhaled smoke, if physical abuse is the known cause of burn, or if it is caused by chemicals or electricity. Also, if there are signs of infection, severe pain, swelling, fever and other serious reaction, call 911 immediately.