When to seek emergency help

Call 911 or seek immediate care for major burns, which:

• May be deep, involving all layers of the skin.
• May 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.
• Cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint, or encircle an arm or a leg.
• Are accompanied by smoke inhalation.
• Begin swelling very quickly.

Electrical burns, including those caused by lightning, and major chemical burns need emergency medical care. A minor burn might need emergency care if it affects the eyes, mouth, hands or genitals. Babies and older adults might need emergency care for minor burns as well.