First Aid - Burns

Burns can range from minor to life-threatening. Knowing the right steps can prevent further injury, reduce pain, and lower the risk of infection.

Q&A on Burn Care

Q: Can I use ice to cool a burn?
A: No. Ice can further damage the skin and worsen the injury. Use cool running water for at least 10–30 minutes. This helps stop the burning process and reduces pain and swelling.

Q: Should I cover a burn with a plaster or bandage to prevent infection?
A: Avoid adhesive bandages—they can stick to the burn and tear delicate skin. Instead, use cling film or a clean plastic bag to loosely cover the area. This keeps dirt and germs away without causing additional damage.

Q: If clothing is stuck to the burn, should I remove it?
A: Do not pull off clothing that is stuck, as this can worsen the injury. Only remove clothing and jewelry that are not in contact with the burned skin, so the area is accessible for treatment.

Do’s for Burns

1. Call for help:

   • Severe burns require immediate medical attention.

   • Burns on children, the elderly, the face, hands, feet, genitals, or caused by electricity or chemicals are emergencies.

2. Check breathing and pulse:

   • If the person is not breathing normally, perform CPR while waiting for help.

3. Cool the burn:

   • Hold the burned area under gently running cool water for 10–30 minutes.

   • Avoid ice or very cold water, which can harm the skin further.

4. Protect the burn:

   • Cover with cling film, a clean plastic bag, or a cool, wet, lint-free cloth.

   • This reduces the risk of infection and keeps the area clean.

5. Elevate limbs:

   • For second-degree burns on arms or legs, raise the limb above heart level to reduce swelling.

6. Chemical burns to the eyes:

   • Immediately rinse eyes with plenty of water or saline solution for at least 15–20 minutes to prevent permanent eye damage.

7. Prevent shock:

   • Keep the person calm and warm.

   • Cover them with clean, dry cloths to retain body heat.

8. Do not break blisters:

   • Blisters protect healing skin. Popping them increases the risk of infection.

Don’ts for Burns

• Do not apply lotions, butter, grease, or oils; they trap heat and can worsen the burn.

• Avoid ice or very cold water, which may cause frostbite.

• Do not remove clothing stuck to the burn.

• Do not touch or rub the burned area.

• Avoid popping blisters, which can lead to infection.

Extra Tips for Burn Care

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help.

• Hydration: Burns can cause fluid loss; make sure the person drinks water if conscious.

• Observation: Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pus, or fever.

• Follow-up care: Even minor burns should be checked by a healthcare professional if they cover a large area, are deep, or show signs of infection.

This expanded guide now provides more context, safety instructions, and practical tips, making it suitable for educational materials, websites, or first aid manuals.