Do this now
- Stop the burning. Move away from the heat source. For an electrical burn, turn off the power first.
- Cool it under cool running water for 20 minutes if you can (at least 10). Don’t use ice.
- Take off rings, watches, and tight clothing near the burn before it swells. Leave anything stuck to the skin.
- Cover it loosely with a clean, non-stick bandage or plastic wrap.
- Don’t put butter, oil, or toothpaste on it, and don’t pop blisters.
Call 911 if:
- The burn is deep, white, leathery, or charred, or larger than 3 inches across
- It’s on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a major joint, or wraps around a limb
- It was caused by electricity, lightning, or a strong chemical
- The person breathed in smoke or has trouble breathing
See a doctor or urgent care if
- A blistered burn is larger than the palm of your hand
- The burn looks infected (more pain, redness, swelling, oozing, or fever)
- The person burned is a baby or an older adult
- You haven’t had a tetanus shot in 5 years and the burn is deep
Chemical burns
Brush off any dry chemical, then rinse with lots of cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if the burn is serious.
Pain relief
An over-the-counter pain reliever can help. Follow the package directions.
See the full burns guide.