Your skin is exposed to heat or chemicals.First degree burns can be treated at home.If the burn area is minor or severe, begin by assessing it.Then, cover it and make sure it is protected.Make sure you check the burn for any signs of infections when you change the dressing.If you have a burn that doesn't improve, seek medical attention immediately.
Step 1: Remove burnt clothing and restrict jewelry.
Don't cover the burn area by removing burnt clothing.If clothing is stuck on the burn, do not remove it.Remove any jewelry that is near the burn area or restricts blood flow to the area.
Step 2: The burn should be placed under cool running water.
The skin can be damaged if the water is cold or hot.You don't want to disturb the skin, so try not to touch, pinch, or scrub the burn.
Step 3: The burn is not severe.
Look closely after the burn has been washed.If the burn is less than 3 inches in diameter, you can treat it at home.The burn should be treated by a doctor if it is large, burning, and the skin appears leathery or waxen.You can wash and cover the burn until you get to a doctor.
Step 4: You can wash your hands with soap.
You can use the water to lather your hands.Don't touch the burn until you wash your hands.
Step 5: You can clean the burn with soap and water.
Put the burn under the water and apply soap to it.To clean a burn, rinse it and then clean it again.
Step 6: If blisters form, don't touch them.
Do not pinch blisters if they start to form.Infections can be caused by breaking open blisters.Your doctor can assess the blisters later.
Step 7: The burn should be dressed in layers of clear cling wrap.
The cling wrap won't stick to the skin and is protective.The cling wrap needs to be removed from the roll.Remove strips of cling wrap.Wrap the burn with cling wrap to protect it.To keep it in place, use medical tape.If the burn starts to swell, do not wind the cling wrap around it, as this can reduce circulation to the area.Instead of putting it on the burn, layer it.If the burn is on a hand or foot, place a clear plastic bag over the area and attach it with medical tape.
Step 8: If you do not have cling wrap, use a sterile cotton sheet.
Get a clean cotton sheet if cling wrap isn't available.Put it over the burn and secure it with tape.To keep the medical tape in place, don't apply it too tightly around the sheet.They can stick to the burn and cause more damage, so don't use bandages that can shed fibers.
Step 9: Do not apply anything to the burn.
The use of sterilizing creams can cause more damage to the skin.They can prevent you from properly assessing the burn.The burn should be dry under the cling wrap or cotton sheet for the first 24 hours.
Step 10: After 24 hours, check the burn.
Remove the dressing and look at the burn.Your body's natural healing process should help it appear less swollen and red.If the burn has a foul smell, blisters have formed, or it appears very swollen and red, you should see your doctor.
Step 11: You have to change the dressing every 48 hours.
You can rinse off the burn with running water by removing the cling wrap or cotton sheet.New cling wrap or a cotton sheet should be put on.Every time you change the dressing, apply a small amount of antibacterial ointment or cream to the burn on your fingers.If blisters have formed, you can apply a dressing or see your doctor.Before the 48 hours are up, change the dressing if it becomes dirty, wet, or soaked through.At all times, the dressing should be clean and comfortable.
Step 12: Take them over the counter.
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to manage the pain from the burn.Only take the recommended amount if you follow the instructions.
Step 13: Allow a few days for the burn to heal.
Within 1-2 weeks, most minor burns will start to heal.You can expose the burn to air by leaving it uncovered.You should see your doctor if the burn doesn't heal in 1-2 weeks.Keep the burn moist while it heals.A moist atmosphere creates a good environment for healing.
Step 14: If the burn doesn't heal in a few weeks, you should see your doctor.
The burn may have become more serious than you thought.You should head to your doctor's office immediately if you have a burn.
Step 15: If the burn has a foul smell and the skin turns black, you should get medical attention.
These are the signs that the burn has become more serious.You are at risk of developing serious health issues if you don't go to your doctor's office immediately.
Step 16: Your doctor can assess the burn.
Your doctor will examine the burn to see how severe it is.How long ago did you get the burn?They may give you an injection of tetanus to make sure you don't get sick from the burn.
Step 17: Discuss treatment options for the burn.
They use a hydrocolloid dressing to help the burn heal.You will need to change the dressing every few days until the burn heals.They can give you prescription pain medication.If you have a third or fourth degree burn, your doctor will recommend debriding, where the burned tissue is removed, or a skin graft to cover the damaged skin.The cost of treating second, third, and fourth degree burns will be covered by most health insurance plans.For more information, speak to your insurance representative.