First Aid for Burns: What to Do and What to Avoid

Severe burns that are deep, extensive, or located on important areas of the body require prompt medical attention.

First Aid for a Burn

Cool the Burn Immediately

Rinsing and cooling the burn is the first and most important step.

Place the affected area under clean, gently running water at room temperature or slightly cool temperature for at least 10-20 minutes. This helps remove heat from the tissue and relieve the burning sensation.

Avoid using ice or extremely cold water because this may further damage the tissue and increase pain.

Remove Clothing and Jewellery Near the Burn

Remove clothing and accessories that are touching or close to the injured area to prevent retained heat from causing further tissue damage.

Cool the affected area with clean water first. Remove rings, bracelets, watches, or necklaces near the burn because swelling may develop and cause the items to restrict blood circulation.

Do not pull away clothing that is firmly stuck to the skin. Leave it in place and seek medical assistance.

Cover the Burn with a Clean Dressing

Once the burn has cooled, cover it gently with a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or a non-adherent dressing. This helps protect the damaged tissue from irritation, tearing, and contamination.

Avoid rough towels and cotton wool because fibres may stick to the wound, cause pain during removal, and increase the risk of infection.

Seek medical attention promptly when the burn:

๐ Is deep or extensive

๐ Is contaminated with soot or chemicals

๐ Is caused by hot oil, acid, or alkali

๐ Affects the face, hands, feet, joints, genitals, or another important body area

๐ May interfere with movement or normal body function

Use Burn Medication Only When Appropriate

Medication such as silver sulfadiazine or another topical burn treatment may be used when recommended by a doctor.

The appropriate product depends on the depth, location, and condition of the burn. Avoid applying medication when you are uncertain about its ingredients or suitability.

Apply a Suitable Dressing

Cover the wound with sterile gauze or a dressing that will not stick to or irritate the burn.

For a minor burn, sterile gauze or a clean, lint-free, breathable cloth may be used. The dressing should be loose enough to avoid pressure on the injured tissue.

Clean the wound and change the dressing every day, or more frequently when it becomes wet, dirty, loose, or soaked with wound fluid.

Use antiseptic medication or burn cream only according to medical advice.

Do Not Break Blisters

Small, clear blisters should be left intact and allowed to settle naturally. The fluid and overlying skin help protect the new tissue underneath and reduce the risk of infection.

Large blisters, or blisters in areas likely to rupture-such as the palms, soles, or joints-should be assessed and managed by a healthcare professional.

Do not cut, pierce, or drain a blister yourself.

Relieve Pain Appropriately

Paracetamol or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug may help relieve pain when suitable for the individual.

Seek medical attention if the pain does not improve or if other symptoms develop, such as:

๐ Increasing redness or swelling

๐ Pus or an unpleasant smell

๐ Fever

๐ Worsening pain

Burns on the Hands

For hand burns, gently move the fingers regularly when medically appropriate to reduce swelling and help prevent joint stiffness.

Keeping the hand elevated may also reduce swelling. A large or severe hand burn should be assessed by a doctor because scarring may affect movement and function.

Burns on the Legs or Feet

Reduce weight-bearing on the injured leg or foot and keep it elevated, particularly during the first 24-48 hours, to reduce swelling.

Seek medical care when the burn is severe, painful, extensive, or affects walking.

Using Aloe Vera for Minor Burns

For a minor superficial burn, a clean aloe vera gel or a gel designed to relieve mild burns may help soothe the burning sensation and moisturise the skin.

Choose a product that is clean and free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, or irritating ingredients.

Avoid steroid creams, unapproved herbal medicines, or other substances that may interfere with healing unless recommended by a healthcare professional.

What Should Not Be Done After a Burn?

๐ Do not use ice or extremely cold water directly on the burn because it may damage the tissue and worsen pain.

๐ Do not scrub or rub the wound because this may increase skin damage and infection risk.

๐ Do not use medication without knowing whether it is suitable for the burn.

๐ Do not apply creams, oils, or other substances unless recommended by a healthcare professional.

๐ Do not open, cut, or pierce blisters yourself.

๐ Do not cover the burn with an unclean cloth or contaminated material.

๐ Do not ignore a severe burn or signs of infection while waiting for the wound to heal naturally.

๐ Do not expose the healing burn directly to sunlight because this may cause irritation and pigmentation changes.

Common Misconceptions That Can Make Burns Worse

Applying Heat Immediately

Using a warm compress immediately after a burn traps more heat in the tissue and may increase damage.

Wrapping the Burn Too Tightly

A dressing that is too tight may restrict blood circulation, increase swelling, and slow healing.

Applying Household Products

Do not apply butter, balm, toothpaste, fish sauce, cooking oil, or similar products to a burn. These substances may trap heat, irritate the wound, create excess moisture, and increase infection risk.

Applying Herbs or Chilli

Herbs, chilli, and unapproved remedies may cause further burning, irritation, and delayed healing.

Cleaning the Burn with Vinegar or Alcohol

Vinegar or alcohol applied directly to the wound may irritate and damage the healing tissue.

Preventing Infection During the Early Stages

Correct wound care can promote faster healing and reduce infection risk.

๐ Keep the wound and surrounding area clean.

๐ Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or heavily soaked with wound fluid.

๐ Avoid using hydrogen peroxide routinely because it may irritate the wound and slow tissue repair.

๐ Avoid hot, humid, or contaminated environments.

๐ Use antiseptic medication only after consulting a doctor or pharmacist.

๐ Observe the wound regularly for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, pus, or fever.

Foods That Support Burn Recovery

The body requires additional nutrients to repair damaged tissue.

Protein

Protein supports new tissue formation and wound healing.

Sources include:

๐ Meat

๐ Fish

๐ Eggs

๐ Milk and yoghurt

๐ Cheese

๐ Legumes and nuts

Vitamin C

Vitamin C supports collagen formation, immunity, and tissue repair.

Sources include:

๐ Oranges

๐ Lemons

๐ Papaya

๐ Indian gooseberry

Vitamin A

Vitamin A supports immunity and healthy skin-cell development.

Sources include:

๐ Carrots

๐ Pumpkin

๐ Egg yolks

๐ Cheese

Zinc

Zinc supports the integrity and repair of the skin and mucous membranes.

Sources include:

๐ Nuts

๐ Oysters

๐ Meat

๐ Legumes

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids may support the body’s response to inflammation.

Sources include:

๐ Salmon

๐ Sardines

๐ Chia seeds

Summary

Burn injuries require correct care from the moment they occur. Cool the affected area under clean running water, remove nearby jewellery, cover the burn with a clean non-adherent dressing, and avoid breaking blisters or applying unsuitable household remedies.

Deep, extensive, chemical, electrical, or infected burns-and burns affecting the face, hands, feet, joints, or other important areas-should be examined by a healthcare professional promptly.

Preventing burns is equally important. Take care when cooking, handling hot liquids, using electrical appliances, and storing flammable materials.

 

Reference :

Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital First Aid For Burns What To Do

ArokaGO Providers Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital