Burns represent tissue damage that occurs when the body’s skin or other organic tissues come into contact with various external sources, such as heat, chemicals, electricity, friction, or radiation. These injuries can range from minor surface damage to severe, life-threatening conditions impacting deeper tissues and even bone. Prompt and appropriate care is important for managing pain, preventing complications, and supporting the healing process.
Initial Burn Response
The first action after a burn is to immediately remove the affected person from the heat source. Cool the injured area by holding it under cool, running tap water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This helps reduce pain and limits further tissue damage. Avoid using ice or extremely cold water, as this can cause additional harm or lead to hypothermia, especially in children or the elderly.
Quickly remove any jewelry, belts, or tight clothing from the burned area before swelling begins, but do not attempt to remove anything stuck to the skin. After cooling, loosely cover the burn with a clean, non-adhesive bandage or cloth to protect it from air and potential infection. Elevating the burned area above heart level, if feasible, can also help reduce swelling.
Safe Topical Applications
After the initial cooling of a minor burn, certain substances can be applied to soothe the skin, moisturize, and aid in healing. Aloe vera, recognized for its soothing properties, can provide relief for first-degree burns, such as sunburns. Petroleum jelly, commonly known as Vaseline, can also be applied in a thin layer.
Petroleum jelly acts as a protective barrier, preventing dressings from sticking to the wound and maintaining moisture, which supports healing. Over-the-counter burn creams containing ingredients like bacitracin or neomycin are also options, often combining a mild pain reliever with an antiseptic to help prevent infection. These products help keep the burn moist and protected from external contaminants.
When selecting a topical application, ensure it is specifically intended for burns and does not contain ingredients that could trap heat or irritate the skin. Cover the treated burn with a sterile, non-stick gauze to protect the area and keep the applied substance in place. Change the dressing daily to maintain cleanliness and monitor healing.
Substances to Avoid
Certain common household items and traditional remedies should never be applied to a burn, as they can worsen the injury or lead to complications.
- Butter or oils can trap heat within the tissue, intensifying the burn and increasing the risk of infection.
- Toothpaste offers no therapeutic benefit and can introduce bacteria to the wound, potentially causing infection or delaying healing.
- Ice or very cold water can cause further tissue damage, frostbite, or deepen the burn.
- Cotton balls should be avoided for dressings, as their fibers can stick to the wound and become difficult to remove, potentially causing irritation or infection.
Knowing When to Get Help
While minor burns can often be managed at home, certain characteristics necessitate professional medical evaluation:
- Burns larger than 3 inches in diameter or roughly the size of the injured person’s hand.
- Deep burns, causing the skin to look dry, leathery, charred, or have patches of white, brown, or black.
- Burns on the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or across major joints.
- Any burn caused by chemicals or electricity, as these can cause significant internal damage not visible on the surface.
- Signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness extending beyond the burn, swelling, fever, or pus-like drainage.
- Burns in infants, young children, or older adults due to their increased vulnerability to complications.
- Suspected smoke inhalation, difficulty breathing, coughing, or a sore throat.