How to treat minor burns and scalds at home

Burns and scalds can be caused by accidents that happen in the home, the workplace and while out and about. You can usually treat a minor, first-degree burn or scald yourself with items from a first aid kit. More serious, deeper or larger burns require medical attention.

Burns vs scalds

A burn is a complex injury that can damage skin and tissue, and in more serious cases damages muscle and sometimes even bone.

Burns are caused by a dry heat source such as fire, hot iron, electricity, chemicals, friction, or radiation, for example.

A burn caused by something wet, such as hot liquids, food, or steam, is called a scald. A scald generally only damages the top layer of the skin, but it can extend to deeper layers of skin. Scalds are a common cause of superficial or first-degree burns.

Types of burns and scalds

Burns and scalds are classified by the extent of the damage they cause, including how many layers of skin are affected.

There are three main layers of skin that burns can damage, including the:

1. Epidermis - the outer layer of skin
2. Dermis - the layer of tissue just beneath the epidermis, which is composed of nerve endings, blood capillaries, sweat glands, and hair follicles
3. Subcutaneous fat layer or subcutis - the deepest layer of fat and tissue.

Burns are classified by levels or ‘degree’ which define the severity of a burn. Each of the four degrees has a different appearance and symptoms.

If a burn covers more than 20 percent of the total body surface area of an adult or 10 percent of a child, it is defined as a major burn.

First aid for minor burns and scalds

• Make sure the person is safe. Remove them from danger or further injury
• ‘Stop, drop and roll’ to put out flames
• Remove burnt clothing, but only if it is not stuck to the burn
• Remove any jewelry such as rings, bracelets, or watches near the burn area. The area of the burn can swell immediately
• Hold the burn under cool or lukewarm (59ºF/ 15ºC) running water for up to 20 minutes. A cool shower is ideal
  • When washing off chemicals, take care not to splash them onto the surrounding skin when washing them off
  • Place the burn site in a bucket or bowl of cool water if that’s easier than using running water
  • Apply a cold, wet compress if you’re unable to immerse the burn in water
  • If fresh water is unavailable then a cool clean fluid such as beer or soft drink can be used as a substitute
• Wash your hands with soap and water before dressing a minor burn to help prevent infection
  • Regularly check the burn to make sure it has not become infected. Signs of infection include:
    • Swelling, redness or tenderness or is warm to the touch in the affected area
    • Colored or smelly discharge
    • A loss of feeling, numbness or unable to move the limb
    • High temperature 38ºC (100.4ºF) and feeling unwell
• Dress burns and scalds with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth. Plastic or Saran wrap can also be placed over a burn - but not wrapped around it - if you don’t have another dressing.
• Provide pain relief as required, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).

First aid for severe burns and scalds

Seek medical attention for severe burns and scalds. This can involve contacting your healthcare professional for advice, going to the emergency room or calling emergency services depending on the situation.

Second-degree burns - what to do while waiting for help

• Cool the affected area with water, ideally using a cool or lukewarm shower
• Elevate arms or legs that have been burnt above the injured person's head
• Try to prevent shock by following the points listed below. Do not place the injured person in the shock position if the burn affects the head, neck, back or leg, or it makes the injured person uncomfortable. To prevent shock:
  • Lie the injured person down flat
  • Raise their feet about 12 in (30 cm) off the ground
  • Cover the injured person with a warm blanket or coat

Third-degree burns - what to do while waiting for help

• Lightly cover the burn with a sterile dressing or clean cloth that will not leave lint behind
• Elevate the burn area above the injured person’s head
• Follow the steps above to help prevent shock
• If the face has been burnt then have the injured person sit up and watch for breathing problems
• If the burn affects an airway and the person is lying down, do not place a pillow under their head. This can close their airway.

What not to do for minor burns or scalds

• Do use cold or ice-cold water when cooling a burn in the bath or shower, especially when the burn is on a small child or baby - it can make then too cold
• Do not try to remove any fabric that is stuck to a burn
• Do not remove any dry, flakey, or peeled skin or break any blisters
• Do not apply creams or greasy substances such as butter to a burn. This may cause infection
• Do not get your dressings wet as it can hinder the healing process
• Do not use adhesive tape on the skin around the burn site as it can cause more tissue damage

Tips to avoid burns and scalds

Children, the elderly and some people with disabilities are more at risk of burns.

To help prevent burns and scalds:

• Always check the water temperature before placing an infant or child in the bath or shower
• Keep hot liquids and food out of reach of children. Take extra care to keep hot drinks away from young children, as they can still cause a scald 20 minutes after being made
• Put hot drinks down before picking up babies and small children
• Check the temperature of hot drinks before giving them to a child
• Use the rings at the back of the stove and face pot handles away from the stove edge to avoid anyone knocking it over
• Keep toddlers out of the kitchen when cooking
• Keep chemicals such as cleaning products locked away. Be careful not to get any in your eyes when using them
• Do not leave irons, hair straighteners and other hot objects plugged in and unattended around small children. Keep them out of reach while they are cooling down
• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of reach and sight of young children
• Use fireguards and don’t leave children unattended near fires
• Make sure smoke alarms are installed and work correctly

Bottom line

You can usually treat minor burns and scalds yourself as they tend to heal without requiring further treatment. However, seek emergency medical attention for more major or severe burns, or burns that cover a larger area of the body.