NHS Direct

• Acne
• Back pain
• Bumps and bruises
• Burns - First Aid
• Burns or scalds
• Diarrhoea and vomiting
• Earache
• Eye discharge
• Head injury
• Head lice
• High temperature - fever
• Insect bites and stings
• Itching
• Cuts and grazes (lacerations)
• Swallowed non-harmful substance
• Nosebleeds
• Seizures
• Sprains and strains
• Sunburn
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching
• Wounds - First Aid  

Burns or scalds

About burns

A burn can be caused by:

• direct heat or cold
• the sun
• chemicals
• electricity

Liquid burns or those caused by steam are known as scalds. Burns and scalds are treated in the same way.

Superficial burns (first degree burns) are burns which damage the top layer of the skin. They will be red, painful and may become swollen. A superficial burn or scald will take around 14 days to heal. There may be a small amount of scarring left.

You can treat most superficial burns yourself and will not need medical assistance. However, deeper burns and those which cover a large area of the body will need immediate medical attention.

Looking after yourself

If you have a burn or a scald there are a number of things you can do to help manage the condition. Here is some self help information:

• Cool the burn down immediately. You should place the affected area in cold water or under a gently running cold tap for at least 10 minutes. Never place a child in a bath full of cold water. This can cause them to go into shock and other complications.
• Remove any clothing that surrounds the burn. Do not attempt to remove clothing if it is stuck to the skin. You should leave this for medical staff to remove. Do not pull or tug at clothing which is stuck to the skin as this can cause further complications.
• Remove any jewellery which is near the burn site, but only do this if you can safely remove it without causing any damage to the burn.
• Never burst or pop any blisters on a burn, as this can lead to an infection.
• Most small burns will heal themselves. Burns can be left uncovered unless they are in a place where it is difficult to keep clean. Use a non-adhesive (non-sticky) dressing for temporary coverage if you need to cover a burn or scald.
• You should not use any ointment or cream on the burn. Never use butter, oil, spray or any other household medicine.
• If you have not had a full course of tetanus immunisation or if your boosters are not up to date contact your GP.
• If you are in pain, get advice on medicines you can take.

Links:

Burns and scalds (NHS Choices)
Tetanus (NHS Choices)
How do I deal with minor burns? (NHS Choices)
Babies and children: treating accidents at home (NHS Choices)
Burns (BBC)
Burns and scalds (Patient UK)
National Burn Care Group