Articles
Burns: First aid
Is it a minor burn or a major burn?
Content
Is it a major or minor burn?
Treating major burns
Treating minor burns
When to seek emergency help
Treatment
Overview
When to get emergency help
Major burns
Minor burns
What to avoid
When to call your doctor
Content
Is it a major or minor burn?
Treating major burns
Treating minor burns
When to seek emergency help
Treatment
Overview
When to get emergency help
Major burns
Minor burns
What to avoid
When to call your doctor
Minor burns
You can usually treat minor burns at home:
- Cool the burn. Run cool — not cold — water over the area for about 10 minutes. If the burn is on the face, apply a cool, wet cloth. For a mouth burn from hot food or liquid, hold a piece of ice in the mouth for a few minutes.
- Remove tight items. Gently take off rings or anything tight from around the burned area before swelling starts.
- Cover the burn. Use a clean, loose bandage to protect the area and reduce pain.
- Take a pain reliever you can buy without a prescription, if needed. Options include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
- Moisturize as the burn heals. After the burn has cooled and begins to heal, you can use a lotion that has aloe vera or cocoa butter to soothe the skin and prevent dryness.
