Pain Area is sensitive to the touch and warm to the touch Minor swelling Reddening of the skin
Pain Swelling Blistering Red, white, or blotchy skin Reddened areas “blanch,” or turn white, when pressed with finger The burned area may look wet
A waxy or leathery appearance to the skin Reddened areas do not “blanch” or turn white when pressed on, but remain red Swelling Black or white areas on the skin Numbness where the nerves have been damaged Breathing problems Shock — pale, clammy skin, weakness, blue lips and fingernails, and decreased alertness
You have a third -degree burn. You have a second-degree burn that covers more than 3 inches of skin. You have a first or second-degree burn on your hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a joint. The burn is infected. Infected burns may seep liquid from the wound, and have pain, redness and swelling that gets worse over time. The burn has extensive blistering. You have a chemical or electrical burn. You have inhaled smoke or a chemical. You have problems breathing. Your eyes have been exposed to a chemical. You are uncertain of the severity of the burn You have severe scarring or a burn that doesn’t heal after a few weeks.
If the movement of water flowing over the burn is too uncomfortable, you can apply a clean, cool, wet towel. [6] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020. Do not put ice or very cold water on the burn. The extreme temperatures may increase the damage to your tissues.
Items that may need to be removed include rings, bracelets, necklaces, anklets, or any other item that could cut off circulation during swelling. Swelling will start immediately so remove the items as soon as possible, but do so gently to avoid further irritation to the damaged tissues.
Aloe is found in many gels and moisturizers. If you have a commercially prepared aloe vera gel, apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have an aloe plant in your house, you can obtain the gel directly from the plant. Break off a leaf and split it open lengthwise. You will see a clear, greenish goo inside. Dab it directly onto the burn and let it absorb into the skin. If you do not have aloe, you can apply another moisturizer to prevent the burn from becoming too dry as it heals. Don’t put greasy materials like butter on the wound.
Wash the wound with soap and clean water. Gently dab an antibiotic cream over the area. Protect the area with a nonstick bandage. Go to the doctor if you have blisters that are larger than 1/3 of an inch in diameter, even if they have not burst.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) Naproxen sodium (Aleve) Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
The burn caused a deep wound or it is dirty. You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past five years. You don’t know when your last tetanus shot was.
Pus or fluid seeping from the wound Swelling, redness, or pain that increases over time Fever Red streaks spreading from the burn site
This only works on new scars that are still red in color. If your scar looks white or brown, you may need laser treatment instead.