Burns can happen quickly and unexpectedly, and knowing how to treat them immediately is crucial.

But do you know how to treat a burn? 

Whether caused by fire, chemicals, electricity, or the sun, proper first aid can minimise damage and reduce the risk of infection. 

This article outlines the different types of burns and the best ways to treat them effectively.

Types of Burn

There are four different classifications of burns:

First-Degree Burns

These are the least severe, affecting only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). 

Symptoms include redness, mild swelling, and pain. 

Sunburns are a common example of first-degree burns.

Second-Degree Burns

These burns penetrate both the outer layer and the underlying skin (dermis). 

They cause more intense pain, redness, swelling, and blisters. 

If left untreated, second-degree burns can result in scarring.

Third-Degree Burns

The most severe type of burn, third-degree burns affect all layers of the skin and may extend to deeper tissues. 

The skin can appear white, blackened, or charred, and the person may not feel pain due to nerve damage. 

These burns often require immediate medical attention and can lead to permanent damage.

Fourth-Degree Burns

Fourth-degree burns are the most severe form of burn, causing extensive damage to the skin, muscles, tendons, and bones.

These burns penetrate all layers of the skin and may also damage deeper tissues and bones.

The affected area may appear blackened or charred, and due to severe nerve damage, there may be little or no pain.

Fourth-degree burns are critical and require urgent medical attention.

Burn Type

Burns can also be categorised by their cause. 

These include thermal burns (from heat), electrical burns (from electrical sources), chemical burns (from toxic substances), and sunburns (caused by overexposure to UV light). 

Each type of burn requires specific care to minimise damage and promote healing.

How to Treat a Burn

Providing immediate first aid is crucial to minimise burn damage and alleviate pain. 

Here are the essential steps to follow:

Stop the Burning Process

Quickly remove the person from the source of the burn, whether it’s fire, hot liquid, or electricity. 

Remove any clothing or jewellery near the affected area, but be cautious not to pull off anything stuck to the skin, as this could cause further damage.

Cool the Burn

For most burns, hold the affected area under cool (not icy) running water for 20 minutes. 

This helps reduce both pain and the extent of the burn. 

Avoid using ice, as it can cause further tissue damage. 

Greasy substances like butter or oils should also be avoided, as they trap heat and worsen the injury.

Keep Warm

If the burn is severe and covers a large area, wrap the person in a blanket or add layers of clothing to maintain warmth. 

This helps prevent hypothermia, particularly if the burn is extensive.

Cover the Burn

After cooling the burn, cover it with clean cling film or plastic wrap. 

If the burn is on a hand or arm, use a non-stick cloth. 

Avoid wrapping it tightly, as it may cause more harm.

Treat the Pain

For pain relief, offer over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen. 

Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years old.

Raise the Area

If possible, elevate the affected area to reduce swelling, particularly for burns on limbs.

How to Treat an Electrical Burn

Electrical burns can be dangerous, even if they seem minor. 

Here’s how to treat them:

Disconnect the Power

For safety reasons, the first step is to ensure the power supply is turned off. 

If you cannot immediately turn off the power, use a material that does not conduct electricity, such as a wooden stick or a dry cloth, to move the person away from the electrical source. 

Never touch the person directly while they are still in contact with the electrical current.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if the burn appears small, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. 

Electrical burns can cause deep internal damage, including to organs or tissues, which may not be visible. 

Only a healthcare professional can properly assess the extent of the injury.

Do Not Approach High-Voltage Sources

For burns caused by high-voltage electricity (1,000 volts or more), never approach the person until the power is safely turned off. 

Call emergency services immediately, as these burns can cause severe damage and require immediate medical care.

How to Treat a Chemical Burn

Chemical burns can cause significant damage if not treated promptly. 

Here’s what you should do if you encounter one:

Identify the Chemical

If possible, try to determine what chemical caused the burn. 

Knowing the substance involved helps medical professionals provide the correct treatment. 

Check for labels on containers or ask the person who was burned, if they can identify the chemical.

Wear Protective Gear

If you’re assisting someone with a chemical burn, wear gloves or any other appropriate protective gear. 

This helps prevent further exposure to the chemical and contamination for both you and the injured person.

Remove Contaminated Clothing

Carefully take off any clothing that has come into contact with the chemical. 

Be sure to avoid spreading the chemical to other areas of the body. 

If clothing is stuck to the skin, do not attempt to pull it off.

Flush with Water

Use running water to rinse the affected area for at least 20 minutes. 

This will dilute and wash away any chemical residue. 

If the chemical is dry or powdery, gently brush it off before flushing the area.

Seek Medical Help

Even if the burn appears minor, always seek medical assistance immediately. 

Chemical burns can cause internal damage, and only trained professionals can provide proper treatment.

How to Treat Sunburn

Sunburns, though common, can be uncomfortable and painful. 

Here’s how to treat sunburn and ease the discomfort:

Move to Shade

The first step is to get out of the sun. 

Move the affected person into the shade or preferably indoors to prevent further exposure to UV rays.

Cool the Skin

To relieve the heat in the skin, take a cool shower or bath for about 10 minutes. 

Avoid using hot water, as this can further irritate the burn.

Apply After-Sun Lotion

Use after-sun lotion or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin and provide moisture. 

These products can help cool and hydrate the burn. 

Avoid using greasy or oily products like petroleum jelly, as they can trap heat in the skin and worsen the burn.

Pain Relief

To reduce pain, over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used. 

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Never give aspirin to children under 16 years of age due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Stay Hydrated

Sunburns can lead to dehydration, especially if the skin is extensively burned. 

Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to stay hydrated.

Monitor for Heat Exhaustion

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which include dizziness, rapid pulse, or vomiting. 

If symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical help.

When Should You Go to Hospital With a Burn?

While many burns can be treated at home, there are some situations where immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional is required. 

You should seek medical attention if:

Large Burns

If the burn covers an area larger than the size of the person’s hand, it requires medical evaluation. 

Larger burns can be more severe and prone to complications.

Deep Burns

Burns that cause the skin to appear white, blackened, or charred indicate severe tissue damage. 

These require prompt medical attention.

Burns on Sensitive Areas

Burns to the face, neck, hands, feet, joints, or genitals are considered high-risk and should be treated at a hospital. 

These areas have delicate tissue and can lead to long-term complications if not properly treated.

Electrical or Chemical Burns

Any burn caused by electricity or chemicals must be evaluated by healthcare professionals. 

These burns can cause deeper, hidden damage and may lead to serious complications.

Signs of Shock

Symptoms of shock include cold, clammy skin, rapid breathing, weakness, and dizziness. 

If any of these occur, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Special Conditions

Children under 10, people with medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, or those with a weakened immune system should seek hospital care for burns.

Breathing Problems

If someone has inhaled smoke or fumes, they should be assessed at a hospital, even if they seem fine.

Things to Avoid When Treating a Burn

When treating a burn, it’s essential to avoid certain actions that can cause further damage. 

Here’s a list of things to steer clear of:

Ice or Ice Water

Applying ice or using ice-cold water to cool a burn can cause frostbite and further harm the skin. 

It also slows down blood flow, which can worsen the injury.

Butter or Greasy Substances

Never apply butter, oils, or greasy creams to a burn. 

These substances may feel soothing initially, but they can trap heat and hinder the cooling process, making the burn worse.

Breaking Blisters

If blisters form on the burn, avoid popping them. 

Blisters act as a natural barrier to protect the skin underneath from infection. 

Popping them exposes the sensitive tissue and increases the risk of infection.

Tight Bandages

Don’t wrap a burn with tight bandages. 

This can restrict blood flow and increase the severity of the injury. 

If a bandage is necessary, use a loose, non-stick dressing to cover the burn.

Scrubbing the Area

Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the burned skin, as this can cause irritation and damage to the affected area. 

Gently clean the burn using cool water and avoid friction that could lead to further injury.

Burn Aftercare

Once the immediate first aid has been applied, proper aftercare is vital for the burn to heal properly. 

Here are some steps to follow:

Keep the Area Clean

Gently wash the burn with mild soap and water to prevent infection. 

Avoid scrubbing the burn, as this can cause further damage. 

Do not use harsh chemicals or strong soaps, as they can irritate the skin and delay healing.

Moisturise

To prevent the skin from drying out and to promote healing, apply a soothing lotion, such as aloe vera gel. 

Aloe vera helps hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation. 

Avoid using products with alcohol, as they can dry out the skin and cause irritation.

Monitor for Infection 

It’s important to keep an eye on the burn for signs of infection. 

Symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or an unpleasant smell may indicate an infection. 

If you notice any of these signs, seek medical help immediately to prevent complications.

Avoid Further Sun Exposure

The burn should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent further skin damage and reduce the risk of scarring. 

Consider covering the area with loose clothing or using sunscreen once the skin has healed enough.

Follow-Up Care

For severe burns, follow-up care may be necessary. 

This may include dressing changes, further treatment, or checking for complications, and should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

You should now have the knowledge on how to treat a burn.

Treating a burn correctly and promptly can significantly reduce pain and the risk of complications. 

It is essential to follow proper first aid steps, such as cooling the burn, protecting the area, and seeking medical help when necessary.