Things You'll Need:
- Cool compress
- Analgesics
- Clean bandage or gauze
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Step 1
Look at the skin to see what symptoms are apparent. First-degree burns are red and painful. Treatments include running cool water over the area until the pain subsides or using a cool compress to alleviate the pain. Take analgesics if necessary.
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Step 2
Check for blisters. Second-degree burns will be red and may have blistering of the skin. If the burned skin is more than three inches in area, seek the advice of a health care professional. Wash the wound carefully with cool water, take analgesics and cover the wound with a clean bandage or gauze to protect it while healing.
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Step 3
Ask whether the area is painful. Third-degree burns may appear white or have black charring in areas; although these are not painful, that is a red flag signalling the need for immediate medical treatment.
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Step 4
Seek help from an emergency room or urgent care facility if the charring goes into the muscles and body tissues. This is a fourth-degree burn and could be life-threatening.
