First aid tips for treating minor burns

Minor burns are common — whether from hot cookware, stoves, fires, hot food or even the sun. Water hotter than 110 degrees Fahrenheit can also cause burns. Fortunately, most minor burns can be treated safely at home.

Before you begin treatment, it’s important to know whether your burn is serious enough to require medical attention. If it’s minor, there are simple steps you can take to promote healing and reduce discomfort.

If you ever have questions about a burn, call HCA Florida Healthcare’s Consult-A-Nurse line at (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773) — for 24/7 advice you can trust. 

Know the different types of burns

There are four types of burns:

1. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin. They may cause redness, swelling and pain.
2. Second-degree burns reach deeper into the skin. These burns may blister, swell and be more painful.
3. Third-degree & fourth-degree burns are the most serious. They damage all layers of skin and underlying tissue. If you suspect a burn of this severity, seek medical attention right away.

First aid “do’s” for minor burns

There are plenty of helpful ways to treat minor burns. The most important thing is to take care of the burned area right away by following these first-aid tips.

• DO cool the burn immediately. Run cool (not cold) water over the area for at least five minutes.
• DO remove any jewelry or clothing. Take off watches, rings and any fabrics touching the burn as soon as possible.
• DO consider using a thin layer of ointment. This is an option if you want to put aloe vera or petroleum jelly on the burn. You don’t need to use an ointment with antibiotics in it. In fact, some antibiotic ointments can cause an allergic reaction.
• DO use over-the-counter pain relief. To control the pain, try acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. If the area doesn’t start to feel better, call your doctor or seek guidance through HCA Florida Healthcare’s Consult-A-Nurse line at (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773).
• DO loosely cover the burn. Use sterile, non-stick gauze or a clean cloth. Loosely wrapping the burned area won’t put too much pressure on the burned skin.
• DO drink plenty of fluids. Especially if you’re dehydrated, drink a rehydration drink like Gatorade to replace electrolytes.

Remember these “don’ts” for treating minor burns

One of the most important tips: Don’t believe the myths about treating minor burns. For instance, don’t use home remedies like mayonnaise, butter, or substances like cream, lotion, oil, cortisone or egg white. They could make the burn worse by trapping heat in your skin’s tissue. Here are other “don’ts” to keep in mind.

• DON’T apply ice. It’s important not to over-cool. This may damage the skin even more. Shivering is a sign you need to stop the cooling process right away.
• DON’T break blisters. Leave them alone. They’ll rupture over time, which is normal.
• DON’T delay getting medical care if needed. It’s essential if the burn is larger than the size of the person’s hand.
• DON’T scratch the burn. It can begin to itch as it’s healing, but don’t touch it.

What to expect after treating a minor burn

Once you’ve treated a minor burn, you can expect it to take up to three weeks to heal. Also, keep in mind that a deeper burn is more likely to scar. If you believe the burn is starting to scar, reach out to your provider for advice.

When to call a doctor

Seek help if symptoms get worse. For instance, if you get a large blister, it’s best to have it removed by a healthcare provider. Another reason to seek medical care is if you see signs of an infection, such as:

• Fever
• Oozing or pus from the wound
• Pain getting worse
• Redness
• Swelling
• Numbness or limited movement

Learn more about treating minor burns

If you’re unsure how to care for a minor burn or notice new symptoms that concern you, don’t wait. Call HCA Florida Healthcare’s Consult-A-Nurse line at (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773) — our licensed nurses are available 24/7 to provide trusted guidance and support.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we recognize that burn injuries affect both physical and emotional well-being. That’s why we offer advanced treatment options, expert care teams and compassionate support to help patients heal and move forward.

We’re proud to have HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and HCA Florida Blake Hospital recognized as verified burn centers by the American Burn Association — two of only six in the entire state of Florida.

Whether you’re managing a minor burn or facing a more serious injury, we’re here to help you every step of the way.