First Aid for Burns

First aid for burns has become a hot topic recently (no pun intended). Burns have become epidemic in the US and are considered a health care problem which is more serious than the polio epidemic at it's peak.

In the 1950's less than 10 hospitals in the US specialized in burns. Now there are over 200 burn treatment centers.

This page will deal with the 3 degrees of a burn, how to tell the difference and how to treat them. We will also give a quick rundown on the 3 most common types of burns and how to treat them.

If you have any interest in burn statistics, how many people get burned each year, those at risk and how many are preventable. We have a page with all those numbers and figures right here.

This page, First Aid for Burns, is also available for download as a PDF.

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The 3 Degrees of a Burn

• First-degree burns
• Second-degree burns
• Third-degree burns

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns are typically red with swelling and pain. The skin will be sensitive to touch and blanche white when light pressure is applied.

Treat first-degree burns as minor unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a major joint.

First Aid for Burns - minor burns:

• Cool the burn: Hold the affected area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes. Or until the pain subsides. If you are not near water use cold compresses. Do not use ice. This can lead to frostbite and further skin damage. If you feel you need to administer first aid and you have burn gel available, use as directed.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage: Do not use fluffy cotton or cotton balls--this can irritate the skin. Loosely wrap the burn being careful not to apply pressure to the burned skin. The gauze keeps air off the burn reducing pain and protects blisters that may form. Do not break blisters, they protect the skin and if broken may increase the chances of infection.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: Take Tylenol, aspirin, Aleve or Motrin. Whatever you normally take to reduce pain and swelling. Do not give aspirin to children, teenagers or anyone with stomach problems. People taking blood thinners should also avoid aspirin unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
• A topical burn gel can be applied. What's a burn gel? Glad you asked. Burn gels are water based gels that relieve pain and prevent infection of minor first aid second degree burns. There are times when clean, cold water is not available or allergies to medications prevent the use of pain killers. Burn gels are great for these occasions. We have done a little research and comparison on burn gels and found some interesting results.

• Most minor burns heal without further treatment beyond applying burn gel. There might be changes in the color of your skin as you heal. These changes could vanish or they may be permanent. Reduce the risk of permanent damage by avoiding re-burning or re-tanning burned skin.
• Watch for signs of infection, such as; increased pain, swelling and redness, fever or oozing. Seek medical help immediately if these things occurs.

We get asked a lot about using Aloe Vera in the treatment of first aid for burns. We are big Aloe Vera fans and have found an exceptional website that deals with all things aloe. Have a look.

Second-Degree Burns

If the second-degree burn is no larger then 2 to 3 inches in diameter treat it as a minor burn.

If the burn covers large areas of the body that include the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, get thee to a doctor immediately.

First Aid for Burns - minor burns (second-degree burns smaller then 3 inches in diameter):

• Cool the burn: Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes. Or until the pain subsides. If you are not near water use cold compresses. First aid for burns such as this, Do NOT use ice. This can lead to frostbite and further skin damage.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage: Do not use fluffy cotton or cotton balls--this can irritate the skin. Loosely wrap the burn be careful not to apply pressure to the burned skin. The gauze keeps air off the area reducing pain and protects blisters. Do not break blisters they protect the skin and if broken may increase the chances of infection.
• Take an over the counter pain reliever: Part of first aid for burns includes pain relief. Grab Tylenol, aspirin, Aleve or Motrin. Whatever you normally take to reduce pain and swelling. Do not give aspirin to children, teenagers or anyone with stomach problems. People taking blood thinners should also avoid aspirin unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
• A topical burn gel can be applied.

Third-Degree Burns

Healing from third-degree burns can be slow due to tissue and structural damage. Scarring can be severe.

These burns require immediate medical attention. Call 911 at once or call for other medical assistance.

While you are waiting for help to arrive, here is what you can do.

First Aid for Burns - major burns (all third-degree burns and severe second-degree burns):

• Call 911 immediately.
• Do not remove burnt clothing. But, do check to see that the patient is not in contact with any smoldering clothing, material, heat or smoke.
• Do not immerse large areas of the body in cold water. This can induce shock in the patient.
• Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If the patient is not breathing check to see if the airway is open and begin CPR.
• Cover the area of the burn. Use cool moist sterile bandages. If not available use clean, cool, moist towels, cloth or better yet, sheets.
• Separate fingers and toes. If fingers and toes have been burned gently separate them with sterile, non-adhesive gauze.
• Elevate the burned area. If possible elevate and protect the burned area from pressure and friction.
• Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the victim flat elevate the feet about 12 inches and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. DO NOT place the victim in the shock position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.
• DO NOT apply oil base ointments or creams. Ointments, cream, butter or any other home remedy can interfere with proper healing.
• DO NOT allow the burn to become contaminated. Avoid breathing or coughing over the area.
• DO NOT disturb blisters or dead skin. Blisters protect the skin. Broken blisters can become infected
• DO NOT use a pillow under the patient's head. If the patient has an airway burn and they are lying down this can close the airway.

For more information on first aid for burns, burn centers, rehabilitation options, different treatments available, legal advice, help with insurance companies, online communities and much more. Try this website, a comprehensive online guide for all issues relating to burn treatment. Burn Survivor.

The 3 Most Common Types of Burns

Here ya go, the most common burns that people recieve and remember knowledge is power. If you know the danger you can prepare yourself and prevent injury to yourself or your lived ones.

Scalds and Thermal Burns
Chemical Burns
Electrical Burns


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