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Burns    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Second degree burn; First degree burn; Third degree burn

First Aid

FOR MINOR BURNS:
1. If the skin is unbroken, run cool water over the area of the burn or soak it in a cool water (not ice water) bath. Keep the area submerged for at least 5 minutes. However, if the burn occurred in a cold environment, do not apply water. A clean, cold, wet towel will also help reduce pain.

2. Calm and reassure the victim. Burns can be extremely painful.

3. After flushing or soaking for several minutes, cover the burn with a sterile bandage (if available) or clean cloth.

4. Protect the burn from pressure and friction.

5. Over-the-counter pain medications may be used to help relieve the pain. They may also help reduce inflammation and swelling.

6. Minor burns will usually heal without further treatment. However, if a second-degree burn covers an area more than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, or if it occurred on the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a major joint, then treat the burn as a major burn (see below).

FOR MAJOR BURNS:
1. If someone is on fire, either douse him or her with water if it is available, wrap the victim in thick, non-synthetic material such as a wool or cotton coat, rug, or blanket to smother the flames, or lay the victim flat and roll him or her on the ground. If your clothes catch fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL.

2. Do not remove burnt clothing (unless it comes off easily), but do ensure that the victim is not still in contact with smoldering materials.

3. Make sure the burn victim is breathing. If breathing has stopped, or if the victim's airway is blocked, open the airway and if necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.

4. If breathing is not a problem, cover the area of the burn with a cool, moist sterile bandage (if available) of clean cloth (do no use a blanket or towel -- a sheet will do if the burned area is large). Do not apply any ointments. Avoid breaking burn blisters.

5. If fingers or toes have been burned, separate them with dry, sterile, non-adhesive dressings.

6. Elevate the burned area, and protect it from pressure and friction.

7. Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the victim flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches, and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. Do not place the victim in the shock position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.

8. Continue to monitor the victim's vital signs (pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) until medical help arrives.

Do Not:

• DO NOT apply ointment, butter, ice, medications, fluffy cotton dressing, adhesive bandages, cream, oil spray, or any household remedy to a burn. This can interfere with proper healing.
• DO NOT allow the burn to become contaminated. Avoid breathing or coughing on the burn.
• DO NOT disturb blistered or dead skin.
• DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth, if there is a severe burn.
• DO NOT apply cold compresses, and do not immerse a severe burn in cold water. This can cause shock.
• DO NOT place a pillow under the victim's head if there is an airway burn and he or she is lying down. This can close the airway.

Call Your Health Care Provider Immediately If:

• The burn is extensive or severe.
• There is a chemical or electrical burn, or if there is uncertainty about the burn's severity.
• The victim shows signs of shock.
• The victim has an airway burn.

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