Ask The Doc by Dr Laura Ryan NHS 24’s medical director: ‘What can I do about burns?’
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Q. How do I treat burns at home?
A. Burns can be very painful and may cause red or peeling skin, blisters, swelling, white or charred skin.
The amount of pain you feel isn’t always related to how serious the burn is. Even a very serious burn may be relatively painless.
To treat a burn immediately get the person away from the heat source and cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes – don’t use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances such as butter.
Remove any clothing or jewellery that’s near the burnt area of skin, including babies’ nappies – but don’t move anything that’s stuck to the skin.
Make sure the person keeps warm – by using a blanket, for example, but take care not to rub it against the burnt area.
Cover the burn by placing a layer of cling film over it – a clean plastic bag could also be used for burns on your hand.
Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain.
If the face or eyes are burnt, sit up as much as possible rather than lying down, to help reduce swelling.
Depending on how serious a burn is, it may be possible to treat it at home. For minor burns, keep the burn clean and don’t burst any blisters that form.
More serious burns require professional medical attention. You should go to a hospital A&E department for all chemical and electrical burns; large or deep burns – any burn bigger than your hand; burns that cause white or charred skin – any size; burns on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs or genitals that cause blisters.
If someone has breathed in smoke or fumes, they should also seek medical attention.
Some symptoms may be delayed and can include coughing, a sore throat, difficulty breathing and facial burns.
