First Aid
- Cool the burnt area with cool, running water (not too cold and not ice) for 20 minutes
- Remove jewellery from the affected limb
- After cooling, remove clothing from the affected area but do not try to pull off any clothing which has stuck to the skin
- Before going to hospital, cover with cling film (use layers, do not wrap around like a bandage) or a clean plastic bag
- Take painkillers
- DO NOT prick blisters
- DO NOT put on sticky or fluffy dressings
- DO NOT apply creams or ointments
At hospital, your burn will be dressed with an appropriate dressing if necessary.
Do’s
- Keep dressing clean and dry
- Take simple painkillers, such as Paracetamol, which you can buy at the chemist. A&E or your local pharmacy can advise on painkillers
- If burn is on the hand or foot keep elevated as much as possible for 24 hours
- The joints around the burn area should be exercised to prevent stiffness
- Keep appointments with A&E or your doctor to have dressings changed
Don’ts
- Do not remove dressings yourself unless advised by A&E
Return to A&E as soon as possible if:
- Lots of fluid is leaking through the dressing
- The dressing gets wet
- It becomes more painful
- You develop a fever or become unwell