Following a burn or scald, make sure you and the affected person are safe from further burns or danger – then cool a burnt or scalded area immediately with water (preferably running cool water – not cold) for at least 20 minutes. This leaflet also gives further advice.
The vast majority of burns and scalds are caused by accidents. However, occasionally burns and scalds can be caused deliberately, especially in children and vulnerable adults.
How should I treat a burn or scald?
- Remove the heat source.
- Apply a cold compress/water for 20 minutes.
- If there is mild pain/redness, treat with painkillers only.
- Do not burst blisters.
- If affected areas are large, deep, very painful, numb, or black, seek emergency help.
- If there is an electrical burn or smoke exposure, seek emergency help.
- If feeling unwell, seek emergency help.
- If unsure, seek medical assistance.
First aid for burns and scalds
Safety first
If possible, or if required:
- Stop the burning process and remove any sources of heat.
- Put out the flames with water or smother with a blanket. If the victim’s clothing is burning, roll the victim on the ground to smother the flames.
- Remove clothes that are over the burn. Clothing can retain heat (even in a scald burn) and so should be removed as soon as possible. However, do not pull off clothing that has stuck to the skin. This may cause skin damage.
- Burns caused by tar should be cooled with water but do not remove the tar itself.
- For electrical burns – disconnect the victim from the source of electricity before attempting first aid. If you cannot switch off the electricity:
- If the person has been injured by a low-voltage source (220-240 volts, domestic electricity supply) then remove the person from the electrical source, using a non-conductive material such as a wooden stick or wooden chair.
- Do not approach a person connected to a high-voltage source.
- For chemical burns – remove the victim’s affected clothing. Brush the chemical off the skin if it is in a dry form. Then wash the burn with lots and lots of water, as described below. Do not attempt to neutralise chemicals.
