How To

How to Treat a mild burn

Contributor
By Kari Livingston
eHow Contributing Writer
(19 Ratings)

Burns are one of the most common household injuries. Severe burns should be treated by a doctor, but mild burns can be treated at home.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Cool water
  • Burn gel or aloe vera
  • Clean dressing
  • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  1. Step 1

    Run cool tap water over the burn for at least 5 minutes. Do not use very cold water or ice. If the burned area is on the hand or foot, fill a bowl with cool water and allow the burn to soak.

  2. Step 2

    Dry the burn gently. Apply aloe vera gel or a soothing burn gel to the area. Burn Jel is a product made especially for burns that contains lidocaine to reduce pain.

  3. Step 3

    Apply a clean, loose dressing to keep the burn covered during the healing process. Do not wrap the burn tightly.

  4. Step 4

    Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling.

  5. Step 5

    Call your doctor if you notice any severe redness or streaking.

Tips & Warnings
  • Do not apply butter or any type of thick ointment to a burn.
  • If the burn doesn't heal within a week, see your doctor.
  • If the burn blisters or covers a large skin area, apply cool compresses and call your doctor before starting any treatment.

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