Burn Care
Do you have a burn or are you trying to help someone with a burn injury?
There are a few important things to know.
Burn treatment depends on the type of burn. Applying butter, oil, ice, or ice water to burns is never advised. Minor burns can be treated at home. If you are unsure about the severity of your burn, seek medical attention!
It is always better to play it safe and have a professional asses the injury.
For superficial burns:
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Hold the area under cool (not cold) running water for about 10 minutes.
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Remove any jewelry, watches or other accessories around the burn as soon as possible. Remove clothing around the burned area as well.
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Do not break blisters!
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Keep the affected area clean.
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Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage or clean cloth.
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Relieve pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen. Follow the instructions on the label and reach out to a doctor if pain still persists.
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Apply aloe gel or cream to the affected area a few times daily if it is a small area burn.
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Seek medical attention if there is a persistent fever not relieved by medication or redness that may extend beyond the border of the burn.
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Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of fluids.
Seek medical attention if:
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The burn area is large. Even if it seems minor, if the area is about 2-3 inches, it is best to get it checked by a professional.
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The burn covers the scalp, hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint.
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The burn swells or looks infected.
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The burn was caused by a fire, an electrical wire, a socket, or chemicals.