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Burns |
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 For first degree burns
- Cool the area right away. Place the affected area in a container of cold water or under cold running water. Do this for at least 5 - 10 minutes or until the pain is relieved. This will also reduce the amount of skin damage. (If the affected area is dirty, gently wash it with soapy water first.)
- Do not apply ice or cold water for too long a time. This may result in complete numbness leading to frostbite.
- Keep the area uncovered and elevated, if possible. Apply a dry dressing, if necessary.
- Do not use butter or other ointments (Example: Vaseline).
- Avoid using local anesthetic sprays and creams. They can slow healing and may lead to allergic reactions in some people.
- Call your doctor if after 2 days you show signs of infection (fever of 101 degrees F or higher, chills, increased redness, swelling, or pus in the infected area) or if the affected area is still painful.
- Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium to relieve pain. (Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication containing salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger, unless a doctor tells you to.)
For second degree burns
- Immerse the affected area in cold (not ice)water until the pain subsides.
- Dip clean cloths in cold water, wring them out and apply them over and over again to the burned area for as long as an hour. Blot the area dry. Do not rub.
- Do not break any blisters that have formed.
- Avoid applying antiseptic sprays, ointments, and creams.
- Once dried, dress the area with a single layer of loose gauze that does not stick to the skin. Hold in place with bandage tape that is placed well away from the burned area.
- Change the dressing the next day and every two days after that.
- Prop the burnt area higher than the rest of the body, if possible.
- Call your doctor if there are signs of infection (fever of 101 degrees F or higher, chills, increased redness and swelling, and pus) or if the burn shows no sign of improvement after 2 days.
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