Health Home

Most burns are minor. Home treatment is usually all that is needed for healing and to prevent other problems from a minor burn.  Burns are ranked as first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree, depending on depth.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Red marks, dry white marks or charring

• Pain

• Blistering

• Swelling

What to do:

• Move the person away from the burn source.  If his or her clothing is on fire, lay the person on the ground and smother the flames with a blanket, coat or any other handy cloths.  Don't move the person unless you absolutely have to.

• Go to the emergency room right away

• Take off clothing or jewelry in the burned area before swelling begins.

• If the burned area is smaller than the size of the person's chest, cover it loosely with a cloth that has been soaked in cool water or hold the burned area under a cool running water.

• If the burned area larger than the size of the person's chest, don't put water on it, cover the burned skin loosely with clean, dry cloth.

• To reduce swelling rainse the burned area higher than the person's heart

 

 

Source: Self-care Advisor