Someone Who Has A Burn

Appropriate first aid must be used to treat any burns or scalds as soon as possible. This will limit the amount of damage to your skin. You can apply the following first aid techniques to yourself or another person who's been burnt.

1. Cool the burn under cold running water for at least 20 minutes.

Cooling the burn will reduce pain, swelling and the risk of scarring. The sooner and longer a burn is cooled with cold running water, the less the impact of the injury.

2. After the burn has been cooled, cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag.

This helps prevent infection by keeping the area clean. Cling film or plastic won’t stick to the burn and will reduce pain by keeping air from the skin’s surface.

3. Call 999 if necessary.

If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.  If you can't call 999 get someone else to do it. The burn may need urgent medical treatment.  If you’re in any doubt, seek medical advice and always seek medical advice for a baby or child who has been burned. 

Common questions about helping someone who has a burn

If clothes are stuck to the burn, should I try to remove them?

No, don’t try to remove anything that is stuck to the burn as it may cause more damage. You can remove clothing that is near the burn but not stuck to it.

What should I do if the burn is still painful after I have cooled it for 20 minutes and covered it with cling film?

Burns will often be painful even after cooling them. You can give an appropriate dose of painkillers and reassure the person who has been burned to help them remain calm. Always seek medical advice for a baby or child who has been burned.

Should I put butter, cream or toothpaste on a burn?

No. Butter, cream or toothpaste will not cool the area. Butter and cream contain oils. Oils retain heat, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to do. Toothpaste often contains menthol, which may give a superficial feeling of cooling, but does not effectively help a burn.

If you put anything on top of a burn and it later needs to be removed in hospital, it may cause further pain and damage.

Should I use ice to cool the burn?

No, ice could damage the skin. Use cold water to cool the burn. If you don't have access to cold running water, pour other cold liquids such as milk, soft drinks or beer over the burn to cool it.

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