Minor burns - aftercare

Partial thickness burns - aftercare; Minor burns - self-care

Minor burn treatment - run under cool water

To treat a minor burn, run cool water over the area of the burn or soak it in a cool water bath (not ice water). Keep the area submerged for at least 5 minutes.

Burns

The depth of a burn determines its severity. First degree burns damage the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and cause pain, redness and swelling (erythema). Second degree burns damage the epidermis and the inner layer, the dermis, causing erythema and blistering. Damage from third degree burns extend into the hypodermis, causing destruction of the full thickness of skin with its nerve supply (numbness). Third degree burns leave scars and may cause loss of function and/or sensation.

First aid for Minor Burns

Caring for Burns

What to Expect

When to Call the Doctor