*While we can provide information about treating burns, know that your medical provider will provide the best advice. If you have questions about your recovery and treatment, we’d advise you to contact them.
It is crucial that these injuries are treated correctly. Burns are unique, and even each type of burn has certain ways of treating them.
Before you should treat the burn you should figure out what kind of burn it is. It is also important that you listen to your doctors. If you are not the one who suffered the burn, but it is your loved one, try to keep them calm.
We’re so accustomed to thinking that burns are run-of-the-mill, everyday injuries; However, there are certain actions to take when dealing with burns.
Call for help:
- For burns larger than your palm.
- If the burn is a third degree (see the criteria for third-degree burns)
- If you’re unsure of how serious the burn actually is.
- For burns caused by a chemical or electricity.
- If the burn victim is showing signs of shock.
If the skin is unbroken…
- Run cool water on the burn.
- If they are in pain, take over the counter ibuprofen.
- You can also use moisturizing lotion for burns where the skin is intact.
Second-degree burn:
- Can be soaked in cold water.
- Apply some aloe to them.
- Can also have antibiotic ointments applied to them. Be careful which ones you apply, though. Check with your doctor beforehand.
For major burns…
- You can pour water on them but not cold water.
- Whatever you do, do not remove burned clothing that is stuck to the skin
- Do not put butter, ointment, medications, cream, or ice to any severe burn.
- Also, do not blow air on the burn.
- Don’t put the severe burn in cold water. This could cause shock.