First aid simple guide for all

• Immediately run cold water over the burnt area for at least 10 minutes.
• A shower or bath is useful for larger areas.
• Remove tight clothing or jewellery as burnt skin can swell. However, do not pull clothing off that has stuck to the skin. This can cause damage.
• A cold compress such as a tea towel soaked in cold water may be soothing over the burnt area. You can apply this after the initial cooling under cold water.
• For anything other than a small burn you should seek medical advice. See a Doctor or Nurse if you are unsure what to do after a burn.
• DO NOT prick blisters.
• DO NOT apply cream, ointment, oil butter, grease etc (however, the exception is for mild sunburn. A specialist moisturiser cream may be soothing).
• DO NOT put on adhesive, sticky or fluffy dressings.

Home Care After a Burn

If the burn is small and you are happy to manage this at home:

• Leave the burn or scald uncovered it will heal faster. If blistered leave uncovered but if it bursts use a dry non-adhesive, non-fluffy sterile dressing.

See a doctor or nurse if:

• The burn becomes infected.
• You need a tetanus injection.
• Blister occurs.

Go straight to casualty (after cooling with water first)

• Electrical burns.
• Third degree (deep) burns.
• Second degree (partical thickness) burns on the face, hands, feet, legs or genitals. These are burns which can cause blisters.
• Any burn that is larger than the size of the hand.
• Cover the burn before going to casualty with a clean, non-fluffy cloth (cotton pillowcase, linen tea towel, cling film is ideal) etc.