Burn Injuries

FAQs

• What are the different "degrees" of burns?

  Burns are classified by how deep they go:

  • First-degree: Affects only the outer layer (epidermis). Red, painful, and dry (like a mild sunburn).

  • Second-degree: Reaches the second layer (dermis). Causes pain, redness, and blisters.

  • Third-degree: Destroys both layers and may damage underlying tissue. The skin may look white, blackened, or charred.

• What is the very first thing I should do for a minor burn?

  Immediately run cool (not cold) tap water over the burn for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This helps stop the "cooking" process in the skin layers and reduces swelling.

• Should I put ice or butter on a burn?

  No. Never use ice, butter, toothpaste, or ointments on a fresh burn. Ice can restrict blood flow and cause further tissue damage (frostbite), while grease or butter traps heat and can lead to infection.

• Is it okay to pop burn blisters?

  No. You should not pop blisters. The fluid inside protects the underlying raw skin from infection. If a blister breaks on its own, clean the area gently with mild soap and water, and apply an antibiotic ointment.

• When does a burn require emergency medical attention?

  Seek immediate help if the burn:

  • Is larger than the size of your palm.

  • Involves the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals.

  • Is a third-degree burn (charred or white skin).

  • Is caused by chemicals or electricity.

  • Causes difficulty breathing.

  Reach out to a doctor for any degree of burn treatment in Delhi, as only they can assess the severity of it and guide you about the right treatment to follow further. 

• How do I treat a chemical burn?

  First, protect yourself by wearing gloves. Remove any contaminated clothing or jewellery. Flush the area with large amounts of running water for at least 20 minutes. If the chemical is a dry powder, brush it off the skin before rinsing with water.