Burns and Scalds

Treating Burns and Scalds

• Immediately get the person away from the heat source to stop the burning
• Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes – don't use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances such as butter
• Remove any clothing or jewellery that's near the burnt area of skin, including babies' nappies - but don't move anything that's stuck to the skin
• Make sure the person keeps warm – by using a blanket, for example, but take care not to rub it against the burnt area.
• Cover the burn by placing a layer of cling film over it – a clean plastic bag could also be used for burns on your hand
• Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain
• If the face or eyes are burnt, sit up as much as possible, rather than lying down - this helps to reduce swelling