goodtoknow says: Act quickly if your child has suffered a burn or scald. Plunge the skin into cool running water and leave it there for 20 minutes. Then apply a cold compress (a tea towel soaked in cold water will do). Cover the burn with cling film or a plastic bag before you go to your GP or hospital. Do not cover it with anything greasy. Serious burns turn the skin white or black but cause little pain as they also damage the nerve endings. Mild burns are painful but usually heal well.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of burns and scalds from patient.co.uk, read on.

Cool a burnt or scalded area immediately with cool water (preferably running water) for at least 20 minutes. This leaflet also gives further advice.

First aid for burns and scalds

• Cool the burnt area immediately with cool water (preferably running water) for at least 20 minutes. For example, put the burnt area under a running tap. A shower or bath is useful for larger areas. Note: do not use very cold water or ice.
• Remove rings, bracelets, watches, etc, from the affected area. These may cause tightness or constriction if any swelling occurs.
• After cooling, remove clothing from the burnt area. However, do not try to pull off clothing that has stuck to the skin. This may cause damage.
• A cold compress such as a tea towel soaked in cold water may be soothing over the burnt area. You can apply this after the initial cooling under cool water.
• Before going to hospital or to a doctors surgery, cover the burn with cling film or a clean plastic bag and leave it on until seen by a doctor or nurse. Apply cling film in layers rather than round like a bandage to prevent it causing pressure if the burnt area swells.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help to ease pain for small burns.

Do not do the following:

• Prick any blisters.
• Apply creams, ointments, oils, grease, etc. (The exception is for mild sunburn. A moisturiser cream or calamine lotion may help to soothe this.)
• Put on an adhesive, sticky, or fluffy dressing.

• Next: Types of burn

• Comment on this
• Send to a friend
• Print this page