Burn Injury Treatment: From the Centers For Disease Control

First Aid

What you do to treat a burn in the first few minutes after it occurs can make a huge difference in the severity of the injury.

Immediate Treatment for Burn Victims

• “Stop, Drop, and Roll” to smother flames.
• Remove all burned clothing.
  • If clothing adheres to the skin, cut or tear around burned area.
• Remove all jewelry, belts, tight clothing, etc., from over the burned areas and from around the victim’s neck.
• This is very important; burned areas swell immediately.

Types of Burns and Treatment based on Degree:

First-Degree Burns: First-degree burns involve the top layer of skin. Sunburn is a first-degree burn.

Signs:

• Red
• Painful to touch
• Skin will show mild swelling

Treatment:

• Apply cool, wet compresses, or immerse in cool, fresh water. Continue until pain subsides.
• Cover the burn with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth.
• Do not apply ointments or butter to burn; these may cause infection.
• Over-the-counter pain medications may be used to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• First degree burns usually heal without further treatment. However, if a first-degree burn covers a large area of the body, or the victim is an infant or elderly, seek emergency medical attention.

Second-Degree Burns: Second-degree burns involve the first two layers of skin.

Signs:

• Deep reddening of the skin
• Pain
• Blisters
• Glossy appearance from leaking fluid
• Possible loss of some skin

Treatment:

• Immerse in fresh, cool water, or apply cool compresses.
  • Continue for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Dry with clean cloth and cover with sterile gauze.
• Do not break blisters.
• Do not apply ointments or butter to burns; these may cause infection
• Elevate burned arms or legs.
• Take steps to prevent shock:
  • lay the victim flat,
  • elevate the feet about 12 inches,
  • and cover the victim with a coat or blanket.
• Do not place the victim in the shock position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected, or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.
• Further medical treatment is required. Do not attempt to treat serious burns unless you are a trained health professional.

Third-Degree Burns: A third-degree burn penetrates the entire thickness of the skin and permanently destroys tissue.

Signs:

• Loss of skin layers
• Often painless. (Pain may be caused by patches of first- and second-degree burns which often surround third-degree burns).
• Skin is dry and leathery
• Skin may appear charred or have patches which appear white, brown or black

Treatment:

• Cover burn lightly with sterile gauze or clean cloth.
  • Don’t use material that can leave lint on the burn.
• Do not apply ointments or butter to burns; these may cause infection
• Take steps to prevent shock:
  • lay the victim flat,
  • elevate the feet about 12 inches.
• Have person sit up if face is burned.
• Watch closely for possible breathing problems.
• Elevate burned area higher than the victim’s head when possible.
• Keep person warm and comfortable, and watch for signs of shock.
• Do not place a pillow under the victim’s head if the person is lying down and there is an airway burn. This can close the airway.
• Immediate medical attention is required.
  • Do not attempt to treat serious burns unless you are a trained health professional.

Burn Injury Law

---

Free Burn Injury Treatment Consultation

---