Treatment-
Immediately put the burned area under running, cold tap water (not ice)! You must hold the burn under the cold water for at least ten minutes. The should reduce any swelling and draw out heat from the burn. If after the ten minutes, the burn still feels hot or painful continue to hold it under cold water. Wrap the burned area in sterile gauze. If the burn is on your hand then be sure to keep your fingers separated so that the burn does not heal the skin of your fingers together.
If the burned area is bigger than your hand, seek medical attention.
Example of first degree burns include . . .
Immediately put the burned area under running, cold tap water (not ice)! You must hold the burn under the cold water for at least ten minutes. The should reduce any swelling and draw out heat from the burn. If after the ten minutes, the burn still feels hot or painful continue to hold it under cold water. Wrap the burned area in sterile gauze. If the burn is on your hand then be sure to keep your fingers separated so that the burn does not heal the skin of your fingers together.
If the burned area is bigger than your hand, seek medical attention.
Example of first degree burns include . . .
- exterior sunburns (though you can get second degree sunburns over first degree sunburns if you are not careful to cover up)
- minor burns from electrical shocks (make sure to check if there is also an exit burn)
- burns from chemicals (these are not likely to come up in day to day life and would most likely be more severe than first degree)
- most likely to appear are small burns from kitchen appliances, such as a burn from the stove or a hot pan