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First Aid for Minor Burns: How to Treat First-Degree Burns and Scalds

First degree burns

Table of Contents

Sharon McCulloch
This article will guide you through how to treat First Aid for Minor Burns and scalds. For minor burns, promptly cool the burn by immersing it in cool tap water or applying cold, wet compresses for about 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Once cooled, apply petroleum jelly 2-3 times daily to maintain moisture and aid healing. It’s important to avoid ointments, toothpaste, or butter, as these may increase the likelihood of infection.
first degree burns

Accidents happen, and burns can occur unexpectedly—whether from hot drinks, steam, or stoves. Burns and scalds are a significant risk at home, especially in the kitchen or bathroom where hot liquids are often used. Children are particularly vulnerable, as their thinner and more sensitive skin makes them more susceptible to severe burns, as noted by BRANZ. 

This makes it even more important to be prepared to act quickly with immediate first aid. Quick intervention can make a huge difference in the healing process and long-term outcome.

Most burns heal, but quick, proper first aid is crucial for the best outcome. For severe burns, always call triple zero (000). It’s vital not to underestimate the severity of burn injuries, as complications such as infections, scarring, and even shock can arise without proper care. 

Understanding how to properly treat burns and scalds, even minor burns, can limit the amount of damage and prevent long-term complications. Knowing the appropriate first aid steps can also help prevent burns from escalating into more serious injuries that require extended medical treatment.

Why First Aid for Minor Burns is Important

Learning first aid for burns isn’t just about keeping yourself safe—it’s about being prepared to help others. For example, knowing what to do in a burn or scald emergency can prevent long-term damage, such as avoiding scarring, and significantly improve someone’s recovery. 

For instance, a parent who knows first aid can quickly cool a child’s burn from hot water, preventing more severe injury and minimizing scarring. Imagine being able to provide effective first aid to a loved one or a stranger in need, minimizing their pain and helping them recover more quickly. 

A first aid course with First Aid Pro can make a big difference in recovery outcomes, and it might even save lives. Start your journey to becoming a first aid hero today and be ready to make a positive impact when it matters most.

First Aid for Minor Burns

Key Facts About Burns and Scalds

  • Burns are damage to body tissue caused by heat, excessive sun exposure, chemicals, or electricity.

  • Scalds are caused by hot water or steam.

  • Burns and scalds can range from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies.

  • First aid for burns includes removing the source of the burn (such as chemicals, fire, or electricity) and putting the burnt area under cool running water for at least 20 minutes.

  • Treatment for serious burns may involve pain relief, dressings, possible hospital admission, and sometimes surgery.

first degree burns and scald

Categories of Burns and Scalds

  • Superficial Burns: Affect only the top layer of skin, causing redness and pain. These burns are similar to mild sunburns and usually heal within a few days without leaving scars. They often result from brief contact with hot liquids, steam, or sun exposure.
  • Partial Thickness Burns: Damage the first two layers of skin, appearing red, blistered, and swollen. These burns are very painful and may take weeks to heal. Blistering is common, and it’s important not to pop blisters, as they help protect against infection. Properly covering the burn with a sterile dressing can aid in reducing the risk of infection and promote faster healing.

  • Full Thickness Burns: Penetrate deeper tissues, appearing charred or black, with little pain at the burn site due to nerve damage, but severe pain in surrounding areas. These burns often require surgical intervention, such as skin grafts, to heal properly. Full-thickness burns are very serious and require immediate medical attention to prevent complications like shock or organ failure.

Initially, whe assesing First Aid for Minor Burns you should review the size of the burn, as larger burns require urgent medical care to prevent complications. The extent of the burn helps determine the severity and the type of medical care required. Even small burns, if not treated properly, can lead to infections or other complications, so taking immediate action is essential.

First Aid for Minor Burns - Steps for Treating for Burns and Scalds

  1. Stop the Burning Process: Remove the source of the burn. Use cool running water, a blanket, or roll the person on the ground if needed. Remove any clothing or jewelry near the burnt area, but leave any material stuck to the burn to avoid causing further damage. For electrical burns, ensure the person is safely away from the power source before providing aid. Quick action is key to preventing further damage and reducing the risk of complications. It’s important to remember that the sooner the burning process is stopped, the less severe the injury will be.
 
  1. Cool the Burn: Cool the affected area with tepid water (around 15°C) or hold it under cool running water for up to 20 minutes immediately after the injury. This helps to reduce pain and limit the severity of the injury. Avoid iced water, as it can worsen the burn and cause additional tissue damage. Be cautious when cooling large areas to prevent hypothermia, especially in children, whose bodies lose heat more quickly. Cooling a burn also helps flush away any harmful substances that may have come into contact with the skin, reducing the risk of chemical burns.
 
  1. Pain Relief: Pain relief starts with cooling and covering the burn. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help after effective first aid. Keeping the burn covered and protected also helps reduce discomfort by keeping air from irritating the damaged skin. For more severe pain, medical professionals may recommend stronger pain relief options. In addition to painkillers, using aloe vera or a non-greasy, soothing ointment may also provide relief for superficial burns. It’s important to monitor the burn site for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.
 
  1. Cover the Burn: Use sterile dressings like polyvinyl chloride film (cling film) to cover the burn, keeping the area warm. Cling film is ideal because it doesn’t stick to the wound and provides a barrier against infection. Avoid wet dressings, as they can lead to heat loss. For burns on your hand, a clear plastic bag works well to maintain mobility and keep the area clean. Covering the burn also helps protect the damaged skin from external contaminants, which could cause infection and delay healing. For chemical burns, it’s important to keep rinsing the area with cool water until all traces of the chemical are removed before covering the burn.
first degree burns - sunburn

Ways to Prevent Burns and Scalds

Burn injuries often occur in the home, most often in kitchens and bathrooms, but other high-risk places include fireplaces and camping sites. By taking a few minutes to make your home and environment as safe as possible, you could prevent a life-changing injury.

In the Kitchen

Always supervise children in the kitchen, and if possible, encourage or teach them to stay out of the kitchen while you are cooking or preparing meals. If you have a toddler, consider installing a child safety gate to keep them out while you are cooking. 

Keep children away from hot foods and liquids, such as tea, coffee, soups, and noodles. Keep hot drinks and foods out of reach, and store the kettle and cord away from the edge of the bench. Turn pot handles inward so children can’t reach them.

In the Bathroom

The temperature of hot water delivered to basins, baths, and showers should not exceed 50°C—a licensed plumber can set the temperature correctly. Always test the water before letting your child get in the shower or bath. Fill the bath with cold water first, then add the hot water to ensure it is not too hot.

Around the Home and Outdoors

Install fixed firescreens or heater guards around open or glass-fronted fires and heaters. Keep lighters, matches, and open flames (e.g., candles, decorative alcohol-fueled devices, ethanol burners) out of reach. Check your smoke alarm to ensure it is in working order. 

Test the batteries every month and replace them every year at the end of daylight savings. Always supervise children when camping. Keep your child away from campfires and coals, and make sure they always wear shoes outside. 

Campfire coals can often still be hot from the day before—always use water (not sand) to extinguish them. For treadmills, keep children away while in use, remove the key, and unplug from the wall when not in use.

Key Points to Remember When Treating Minor Burns

  • Always supervise children in the kitchen, and keep hot food and drinks out of reach.

  • Limit the temperature of hot water that reaches your bath and shower to 50°C.

  • Use cool running water to treat a burn as soon as possible and seek medical attention.

A Note of Caution - Not All Burns Are the Same

For second- or third-degree burns, use only water until medical help arrives—other treatments can worsen the injury. Major burns—covering more than 20% of an adult’s body or 10% of a child’s—require emergency care. Start by cooling the burn with cold running water, then call triple zero (000). 

It’s important to keep the affected person calm and comfortable while waiting for emergency services, as stress can exacerbate their condition. If possible, raise the burned area above heart level to reduce swelling. Avoid using creams or greasy substances like butter, as these can trap heat and make the injury worse.

dressing a burn

How to Treat Minor Burns with First Aid

Knowing how to treat minor burns is vital. Quick, correct first aid helps burns heal better and improves outcomes. Understanding burn types, how to cool effectively, manage pain, and cover burns properly can make all the difference. The right knowledge can turn a potentially life-threatening situation into a manageable one. Even small burns can cause a lot of pain and distress, but with the right treatment, healing can be faster, and complications can be minimized.

Take a first aid course with First Aid Pro to be ready for emergencies. You’ll learn essential skills like how to treat burns, manage bleeding, and perform CPR. You could be the one to save a life, gaining the confidence to step in and provide care when it’s needed most. 

This training will equip you with the skills to help with burns and other injuries, empowering you to make a difference in your community. Being prepared means you can be the person who makes a critical difference during an emergency. The knowledge you gain will not only help you protect your loved ones but also contribute to a safer community overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of burn injuries in Australia?

Burn injuries often result from hot drinks, boiling water, hot liquids, steam, and contact with hot surfaces like stoves, irons, and hair straighteners. These everyday items can pose a significant risk, especially to young children, if proper precautions aren’t taken. Burns from hot food or even hot bathwater are also common, especially when safety measures are not in place.

Why is immediate first aid crucial for burn injuries?

Quick first aid helps burns heal faster, reduces severity, and improves appearance. Immediate cooling, such as holding the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, can also prevent deeper tissue damage, which is crucial for a better recovery. The faster the burn is cooled, the less chance there is of severe tissue damage, which can lead to scarring or the need for more intensive medical treatments.

What are the different categories of burns?

Burns are categorized as superficial, partial thickness, and full thickness, each requiring different levels of care. Understanding these categories helps in providing the right first aid and knowing when to seek medical attention. Superficial burns are the least severe, while full-thickness burns are extremely serious and often require professional medical care to prevent life-threatening complications.

How should a burn be cooled effectively?

Cool a burn with tepid water (around 15°C) for up to 20 minutes immediately after injury. This simple but effective step can make a big difference in the healing process and pain management. Avoid using ice or iced water, as these can further damage the tissue and increase the risk of hypothermia, especially in children. Cooling the burn also helps alleviate the initial shock of the injury, which can be especially important for young children or elderly individuals.

What should be done for pain management in burn injuries?

Manage pain by cooling and covering the burn. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are effective for minor burns. Keeping the burn covered also helps prevent irritation and further pain. Pain relief ointments like aloe vera gel may also help soothe the burned skin, but avoid using any greasy or oil-based substances. If pain persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.

How should a burn be covered?

Use a sterile dressing such as cling film. Place it over the wound without wrapping to avoid constriction. This helps keep the burn clean and prevents infection, which is a common complication of burn injuries. For burns on limbs, keeping the area elevated can also help reduce swelling. Remember that covering the burn is crucial to protect the burned skin from bacteria, dust, and other contaminants that could lead to infection.

Why is enrolling in a first aid course with First Aid Pro important?

Learning first aid equips you to handle burns effectively, making you a prepared and responsible community member. By learning these skills, you not only protect yourself but also have the ability to assist others in emergencies, contributing to the safety and well-being of your community. First aid knowledge can make a critical difference in the outcome of many injuries, not just burns, and being trained ensures that you are ready to act confidently in an emergency. With the proper training, you could save a life, prevent complications, and provide much-needed comfort to those in distress.

The content on this website offers general insights regarding health conditions and potential treatments. It is not intended as, and should not be construed as, medical advice. If you are facing a medical emergency, dial 000 immediately and follow the guidance provided.

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