Ouch! I Burned My Skin, Now What?
First Degree
- Put the affected area in cool water or apply a cold, wet compress
- Apply petroleum jelly a few times each day
- Consider taking over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease pain
- Protect the affected area from the sun
Second Degree
- Follow all first degree burn treatment recommendations
- Don’t break any blisters
- Apply a bandage if the skin or blisters are likely to become irritated by clothing or daily activity, or if the blisters have broken open
Third Degree
- Seek immediate medical attention
- While waiting for medical help to arrive, cover the affected area in a clean bandage and attempt to raise the affected area above the heart
How to Avoid Getting Burned
It’s likely you’ll experience a burn at some point. Accidents happen! However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of injuring you or those around you.
- Keep hot foods and beverages away from table edges
- Don’t leave hot beverages or cooking pots and pans unattended around children or pets
- If using a travel mug be sure to use a spill-proof lid
- Don’t overfill cups or bowls
- Warn others when a hot liquid or dish is being served
- Use oven mitts when cooking or handling hot food and drinks
- Warn others when household appliances such as a stove or iron may be hot
