How to Stop the Pain of Burns

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three classes of burns: first-degree, second-degree and third-degree. For third-degree burns, the layers of the skin will be almost completely destroyed and it will require emergency medical attention. The pain of minor burns can range from annoying to excruciating, and may warrant medical treatment, but if you have a first-degree burn or second-degree burn smaller than three inches, they can be treated at home.

Instructions

1. Rinse the burn in cool water immediately. Run a bowl of cool water and place a few ice cubes (not many) into the bowl and allow them to melt. Do not put any ice cubes directly on the burned skin. Soak the burned area in the water for 15 to 20 minutes. The cool water moves heat away from the surface of the burn and helps stop swelling.

2. Spray the burn lightly with a first aid antiseptic spray (like Neo to Go or an alcohol-based product). These sprays help reduce pain and prevent infections that could make the burn even more painful.

3. Wrap the burn with a gauze pad. When the burn is exposed to the air (especially the pollutants that are in the air) the pain could persist. Put the gauze on top and secure it in place with a piece of white first aid tape. Some medical professionals use a product called DermaRite Silverderm---these are antimicrobial dressing pads that help reduce the pain of burns.

4. Take an oral pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin, at the onset of pain due to a burn. Chew the pain pill up to speed up its absorption into your blood stream.

Tips & Warnings

• If the burn is severe (third degree or worse) avoid immersing it in cold water because this could shock your system. Call 911 immediately, cover it with a sterile gauze bandage, rest (try to elevate the burned area), and wait for professional help.

• Do not put ointment or other sticky, thick substances on a burn; these could irritate the wound and make things worse.

References

• Types of Burns
• Mayo Clinic: Burns First Aid

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Top Causes of Burns in the Home