Tips for Treating First-Degree Burns
October is National Fire Prevention & Safety Month. Even though dermatology isn’t directly related to fire prevention, many of our patients have asked us for tips on burn care. Read on to learn the best home treatments for minor burns and how to tell if you need additional medical care.
What is a First-Degree Burn?
First-degree burns only involve the top layer of skin. In most cases, it’s caused by a mild sunburn or a flash burn with a brief burst of heat, which can occur from touching hot objects like a stove or a curling iron. But don’t let that definition fool you! Many patients with a first-degree burn can experience quite a bit of pain and possible scarring when not adequately treated. Although first-degree burns are not as severe as higher-degree burns, treat your burn right away to reduce the pain and mild swelling that might occur.
Symptoms of First-Degree Burns
Before we talk about how to treat your burn, let’s cover the symptoms of a superficial first-degree burn:
Redness
Dry skin
Skin that is painful to touch
Pain that usually lasts 48-72 hours and then subsides
Peeling skin
Tips to Treat a First-Degree Burn
Keep the affected area cool. Immediately after the burn occurs, apply cold, wet compresses or immerse the burn in cool tap water. Continue applying cold compresses or cool water for 10 minutes or until the pain subsides.
Apply petroleum jelly two to three times daily. To avoid infection, do not apply ointments, toothpaste, or butter to the burn. Additionally, do not use topical antibiotics.
Apply a nonstick, sterile bandage to burn. If blisters form, do not pop them. Let them heal on their own while keeping the area covered with a sterile dressing.
Consider taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Keep the affected area out of the sun. To minimize scarring, once the burn heals, make sure you protect your new skin by staying out of direct sunlight, wearing protective clothing, or applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
When To See A Medical Professional For a Burn
While first-degree burns usually heal on their own without treatment, go to an emergency room immediately if the burn:
Covers a substantial area of the skin
Occurs on an infant or elderly person
Seems more severe
Causes pain that is unmanageable with over-counter-medication
