Burn First Aid Treatment: What to Do for Burns and Scalds
Burns and scalds are common injuries that can happen at home, in the workplace, in the kitchen or during an emergency.
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can help reduce further injury and provide appropriate first aid while waiting for medical attention.
In this guide, we explain how to give first aid for burns and scalds, how to recognise different types of burns, what not to do, and when medical attention is needed.
What Is a Burn?
A burn is an injury to the skin and other body tissues caused by heat or other damaging sources.
Burns may be caused by:
- Fire and flames
- Hot surfaces
- Hot liquids
- Steam
- Hot oil
- Chemicals
- Electricity
A burn caused by hot liquid, steam or other wet heat is commonly referred to as a scald.
Types of Burns
Burns are commonly described according to how deeply the skin and underlying tissues are affected.
1. First Degree Burn/Superficial Burn
A superficial burn affects the outer layer of the skin.
Common signs may include:
- Redness
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Dry skin
- Usually no blisters
The skin may look similar to a sunburn.
2. Second Degree Burn/Partial-Thickness Burn
A partial-thickness burn affects deeper layers of the skin.
Possible signs include:
- Blisters
- Swelling
- Moist or weeping skin
- Significant pain
- Red or pink skin
The severity can vary, and some partial-thickness burns require medical assessment.
3.Third Degree Burn/Full-Thickness Burn
A full-thickness burn damages the full thickness of the skin and may extend into deeper tissues.
The affected area may appear:
- White, pale or grey
- Waxy
- Leathery
- Dry
- Charred
Interestingly, a very deep burn may not be painful in the centre of the injury because nerve endings can be damaged.
What Should You Do for a Burn?
Step 1: Stop the Source of the Burn
First, make sure the situation is safe.
Remove the person from the source of heat if this can be done safely.
For example:
- Move away from fire.
- Switch off electricity if it is safe to do so.
- Stop contact with hot liquid or steam.
- Extinguish flames.
Do not put yourself in danger while trying to help someone else.
Step 2: Cool the Burn With Running Water
This is one of the most important first-aid steps.
Cool the affected area with clean, cool running water for approximately 10–20 minutes.
Recommends cooling a burn or scald with running water for 10–20 minutes and advises against using ice because it can worsen tissue injury.
Do NOT use ice directly on the burn.
Avoid:
- Ice
- Very cold water
- Butter
- Toothpaste
- Oil
- Unrecommended home remedies
The objective is to cool the burn, not freeze the skin.
Step 3: Remove Jewellery and Tight Items
If possible, carefully remove:
- Rings
- Watches
- Bracelets
- Tight clothing
Do this early, before swelling develops, provided the items are not stuck to the skin.
Do not pull away clothing that is stuck to the burn.
If clothing has adhered to the skin, leave it in place and seek medical assistance.
Step 4: Cover the Burn
After cooling, protect the injured area with a clean, non-stick dressing or clean covering.
Avoid placing adhesive material directly onto the burn.
The Malaysian Ministry of Health recommends covering the burn with a wet clean cloth, while the Red Cross recommends a sterile, non-stick bandage or cloth.
Step 5: Get Medical Attention When Necessary
Not every minor burn requires hospital treatment, but some burns need prompt medical assessment.
Seek medical attention for burns that are:
- Deep or full-thickness
- Extensive or covering a large area
- On the face
- Around the eyes
- On the hands
- On the feet
- Over major joints
- Around the chest or neck
- Caused by electricity
- Caused by chemicals
- Associated with significant swelling
- Associated with breathing difficulties
- Associated with other serious injuries
Also seek medical help if you are unsure about the severity of the burn.
FAQ
What is the first aid treatment for a burn?
Cool the burn with clean, cool running water for approximately 10–20 minutes, then cover it with a clean/non-stick covering and seek medical attention when necessary. Malaysia’s Ministry of Health recommends running water for 10–20 minutes.
Should I put ice on a burn?
No. Do not apply ice directly to a burn. Cooling should be done with cool running water instead.
Should I burst a burn blister?
No. Avoid deliberately breaking blisters. Seek medical advice if the burn is significant or you are concerned about its severity.
Should I put toothpaste on a burn?
No. Toothpaste is not recommended first aid treatment for burns.
How long should I cool a burn with water?
Recommends 10–20 minutes of running water for burns and scalds.
When should a burn be treated by a doctor?
Seek medical attention for serious, deep, extensive or high-risk burns, including burns involving the face, hands, major joints, airway, or burns caused by chemicals or electricity.