What Is the First Aid Treatment for First Degree Burns?
Burns can range from a minor burn to a life-threatening emergency. They are classified by degrees based on the severity of the burn. These classifications serve as a road map for first-aid treatment. There are three degrees of burns, with third-degree being the most severe.
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First-degree
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Considered a minor burn, a first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of skin. They are the least serious of all the burns. However, they still require first-aid treatment.
Symptoms
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With a first-degree burn, you will notice red skin with pain and swelling. The pain is usually not severe and sometimes not present at all. In this case, the skin hasn't been burned through to the second layer. If this happens and blisters develop, it is considered a second-degree burn.
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Cool
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Place the burned area under cold running water. This should be done for at least five minutes and should help to alleviate the pain. Do not put ice on any burn because it can cause more damage to the skin, and even frostbite, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cover
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Wrap the burned area with a sterile bandage made of gauze. The purpose isn't to apply pressure to the burn, but it is to keep air off the area. Exposing the burn to air causes additional pain.
Relieve Pain
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For the pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever is recommended. This usually includes ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen. If the pain persists, or becomes more severe, seek medical help.
Infections
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Infections can occur with first-degree burns. Signs may be fever, increased pain, redness, swelling and oozing. Any of these signs of infection require medical treatment.
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