Burns are one of the most common household injuries that can range from mild skin irritation to serious medical emergencies. Knowing how to treat a burn properly can help reduce pain, prevent infection, and stimulate faster healing. Here’s what you should know about burn treatment, home care, and when to seek medical attention.
How to identify the severity of a burn
Knowing how to gauge the severity of a burn can help you decide whether to treat it at home or seek medical care right away. You can usually estimate burn severity by looking at five factors: depth, pain level, blistering, color, and size.
Burn severity by type
- Superficial (first-degree) burns: The outermost layer of skin is affected. The area appears red and dry, feels painful, has no blisters, and blanches (turns white) when pressed. A common sunburn is a typical example.
- Superficial partial-thickness (second-degree) burns: Both the outer and underlying skin layers are involved. These burns are often moist or weepy, red or pink, and very painful. Blisters are common, and the skin still blanches when pressed. These burns require careful attention and may need professional evaluation.
- Deep partial-thickness burns: These burns reach deeper into the skin and may look paler or drier than superficial second-degree burns. They blanch less under pressure, and pain may be reduced because more nerve endings are affected. Medical evaluation is important.
- Full-thickness (third-degree) burns: All skin layers are destroyed. The affected area may appear dry, leathery, or charred, with colors ranging from white to brown to black. Surprisingly, these burns often hurt less than lesser burns because nerve endings have been damaged. Full-thickness burns are always a medical emergency.
How to treat minor burns at home
Minor burns can often heal at home with proper care and maintenance. If you experience a minor burn that doesn’t need immediate attention, there are various remedies you can try at home to alleviate pain and heal the burn. Here’s how to treat a minor burn:
- Cooling the burn
Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 20 minutes, or until the pain lessens. A cool compress, when used in 5-to-15-minute intervals, can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Do not use ice. Putting ice on a burn can cause further damage to the tissue. - Aloe vera
Aloe vera is known to be effective in healing first-to-second-degree burns. It contains compounds that said in reducing pain, cooling the skin, and speeding up the healing process. Apply a layer of aloe vera gel directly to the affected area. If you buy aloe vera at the store, make sure that it contains a high level of aloe vera. Avoid products that have coloring or perfumes. - Honey
Honey is known to be anti-inflammatory, naturally antibacterial, and reduces infection. Apply honey topically to the burn area. - Reduce sun exposure
Harsh Ultraviolet (UV) rays can further damage already fragile skin cells. Burn areas are especially sensitive, which is why it’s important to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Keep your burn covered with clothing. - Don’t break blisters
Blisters help protect damaged skin and breaking them can raise the risk of an infection. If the blister does break, clean the area with water, then apply an antibiotic ointment. If a rash appears, stop using the ointment. - Apply lotion
Once the burn is completely cooled, apply lotion on the affected area. This helps to prevent drying and provides relief. - Bandage the burn
Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin. - Take a pain reliever
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Be sure to read the label for the correct dosage.
Should you put butter on a burn?
No. Despite being a common home remedy, butter, oil, and toothpaste should never be applied to a burn. These substances trap heat in the skin, slow healing, and increase the risk of infection. Stick to cool running water and aloe vera gel instead.
How long does a minor burn take to heal?
Most first-degree burns heal within 3 to 5 days. Superficial second-degree burns typically heal in 2 to 3 weeks with proper care. If your burn isn’t improving, is showing signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever), or covers a large area, see a healthcare provider.
How to treat major burns
For any major burns, call 911 immediately. Until emergency assistance arrives, you can:
- Protect the burned person from further harm
Make sure that the person you’re helping is no longer in contact with the source of the burn. Do not try to remove clothing that is stuck to the burn. - Make sure that the burned person is breathing
- Remove jewelry, belts, and other tight items
Burned areas swell quickly, so be sure to remove all tight items from the burned area and the neck. - Cover the burn
Loosely cover the burn area with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. - Raise the burned area
Lift the burned area above the heart level if possible. - Watch for signs of shock
Signs include cool, clammy skin, a weak pulse, and shallow breathing (see below).
When to see a doctor for a burn
The American Burn Association recommends that burn patients, who meet the following criteria,should be treated at a specialized burn center:
- Individuals with second-degree burns over 10% or more of their total body
- Anybody with third-degree burns
- Burns of the face, hands, feet, groin, or genital area, or burns that extend all the way around a portion of the body
- Burns accompanied by an inhalation injury affecting the airway or lungs
- Burn patients with existing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or multiple sclerosis
- Suspected child or elder abuse
- Chemical burn
- Electrical injury
NGPG Urgent Care providers can evaluate minor burns, skin irritation, and other common injuries both in person and through video visits. Visit www.ngpg.org/urgent-care to find a location near you with the shortest wait time. If you have a major burn, seek medical attention right away by visiting the emergency room closest to you.