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Burns can happen in an instant. It can happen when you accidentally brush against a hot pressure cooker, spill boiling water on yourself, or lean a little too close to the stove to search for something, causing a skin burn. In such a moment, what may come to your mind would be, like What should I do? Should I apply ice or toothpaste, or see a doctor?
The reality not many of us know that many of these common home remedies can do as much harm as good for burn injuries. That’s why it is important that we learn about the right first aid steps to prevent tissue damage and allow for proper healing of these injuries. In this blog, let us break down the dos and don’ts for first aid for burns.
Synopsis
Skin Burns: What’s Happening to Your Skin
A burn is more than just a painful feeling and injury; it is about what is happening beneath the surface. Your skin is a protective barrier that shields you from infections, helps you regulate your body temperature, and holds everything in place. So, if the barrier is compromised by heat, your body responds immediately, triggering inflammation, loss of fluid, and an increased potential for infection.
Burns can be classified into 3 types:
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First-degree burns: These are the mildest type of burn injury, affecting only the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis). They typically cause redness, mild swelling, and pain, similar to a sunburn. The skin remains intact – you can manage them with first aid for burns, and healing usually occurs within a few days without scarring.
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Second-degree burns: These burns extend deeper, affecting both the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). They often result in blisters, significant pain, redness, and a moist or shiny appearance of the skin. Healing may take several weeks and can lead to scarring if not properly treated.
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Third-degree burns: These are the most severe type of burns, damaging all layers of the skin and sometimes the underlying tissues as well. The affected area may appear white, charred, brown, or leathery. Because these burns can destroy nerve endings, they may actually feel less painful initially, which can be misleading.
Third-degree burns always require immediate medical attention and often need specialised treatment such as skin grafts via procedures performed by expert plastic surgeons in Bhubaneswar.
Immediate First Aid for Different Types of Burns
Burns can happen in seconds, and knowing what to do right away can make all the difference.
1. Scald Burns (Hot Water or Steam)
Scalds are one of the most common burns at home. Here’s what you should do immediately:
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Remove any wet clothing gently, but only if it’s not stuck to the skin.
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Hold the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes to lower the skin temperature and prevent further damage.
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Avoid using ice or icy water, as this can harm the tissue.
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Do not apply toothpaste, butter, oil, or any home remedy, as these can trap heat and worsen the injury.
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After cooling, loosely cover the burn with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy cloth to protect it from infection.
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If the burn is larger than the size of your hand or affects the face, hands, feet, or genitals, get medical attention right away.
2. Oil Burns (Hot Oil from Cooking)
Hot oil burns can be particularly painful and may look worse over time. If this happens, you can use the following first aid for burns:
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Move away from the heat source and switch off the stove, if it’s safe to do so.
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Carefully remove any clothing around the area unless it’s stuck to the skin.
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Run cool water over the burn for at least 20 minutes to stop the burning process.
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Do not apply butter, ointments, or flour, even though they’re commonly suggested; they can increase the risk of infection.
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After cooling, place a non-stick, sterile dressing or clean cloth gently over the area.
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If the skin blisters, looks deep, or covers a wide area, contact a doctor or visit the emergency room.
3. Electrical Burns
Electrical burns aren’t always visible on the outside but can cause deep internal injuries. If someone gets shocked:
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Make sure the electricity is turned off before touching them. If needed, move them away from the source with a non-metal object.
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Once safe, check if the person is breathing and responsive. Call the emergency number immediately.
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Even if the burn looks minor, getting medical help is essential since internal tissues may be damaged.
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While waiting for help, cover visible burn areas with a clean, dry cloth, but don’t apply water or ointments.
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Keep the person warm and reassured until professional help arrives.
4. Chemical Burns
These can happen from common household cleaners, industrial chemicals, or garden products.
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First, remove any contaminated clothing while avoiding contact with the chemical. Wear gloves if possible.
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Rinse the burned skin under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, even if the person isn’t in pain. Chemical burns can worsen over time.
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Try to identify the chemical (label or container) to tell emergency responders, but don’t delay rinsing while you search.
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Do not apply creams, neutralising agents, or powders, as they can react with the chemical.
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Seek immediate medical attention, especially if the burn is on the face, eyes, or genitals, or if the chemical is unknown.
Conclusion
Burns can happen quickly, but the right first aid for burns can prevent serious damage. Cool the area, protect the skin, and avoid unsafe home remedies for burns. For serious cases, seek help. Whether it’s scalds or oil burns, knowing what to apply to burns immediately truly matters.
FAQ's
The best cream for burn skin is one that provides hydration and promotes healing, like aloe vera gel or an antibiotic ointment. Make sure to apply it gently to minor burns after cooling the area. Always check with a doctor for more severe burns.
You should seek medical help immediately if the burn is large, deep, or located on sensitive areas like the face or hands. Most first-degree injuries can be managed with common first aid for burns. However, severe burns require professional burn treatment and might need prescribed creams and other treatments.
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