Articles
Burns: First aid
Minor burns
Major burns
Is it a minor burn or a major burn?
Content
Is it a major or minor burn?
Treating major burns
Treating minor burns
Is it a major or minor burn?
Call 911 or seek immediate care for major burns, which:
- Are deep
- Cause the skin to be dry and leathery
- May appear charred or have patches of white, brown or black
- Are larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) in diameter or cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint
A minor burn that doesn't require emergency care may involve:
- Superficial redness similar to a sunburn
- Pain
- Blisters
- An area no larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) in diameter