How to Treat Second- and Third-Degree Burns
All moderate to severe burns should be cared for properly to reduce the chance of infection or scarring. Burn victims should be taken to an emergency room, particularly for burns on the face, neck or genitals.
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Things You'll Need
- Clean And Dry Sheets
- Clean And Dry Towels
- Acetaminophen
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Sterile Dressings
Instructions
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Submerse mild to moderate burns in cool water, or apply cold compresses immediately after being burned to help relieve pain and swelling.
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Cut off clothes that are soaked in hot oil or hot water.
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Understand that under no circumstances should clothes that have been burned into the skin be removed except by a medical professional.
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Remove shoes if the feet have been burned; remove all jewelery that is on a burned body part.
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Be sure not to apply any ointments or greases to burns.
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Cover the burned area with a clean, dry towel or sheet if the burn is severe, to protect the burn from bacteria during transport.
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Do not put ice on a burn as this can damage the skin.
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Allow blisters to break on their own. Do not pop or puncture them. When a blister opens on its own, dab antibiotic ointment on it and cover with a dry dressing.
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Take acetaminophen for pain.
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Allow the person with burns that do not require emergency treatment to take sips of cool water. If you are transporting the person to the hospital, do not give him or her anything to drink.
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Tips & Warnings
To determine the percentage of the body burned, use this rule of thumb: The size of a child's palm is considered to be 1 percent of his or her body's surface.
If the patient has inhaled smoke from a fire or was burned by high voltage electricity, or develops fever and chills after being burned, go to the emergency room.
Anytime an infant is burned, even if the burn looks small, go to the emergency room.
If a burned area does not heal within six days, notify your doctor.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
