Burns- What are they, and how do you treat them?

Burns are damage to the skin caused by dry heat, such as an iron or a fire.

This is different to scalds, which occur due to wet heat like hot water or steam.

Burns can be very painful and may cause:

• Red or peeling skin
• Blisters
• Swelling
• White or charred skin

But the amount of pain a person feels is not always related to how serious the burn is.

Even a very serious burn can be painless.

To treat a burn:

• Remove the heat source
• Cool with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes. Do not use ice
• Remove any nearby clothing or jewellery unless it is stuck to the skin
• Keep the person warm with a blanket
• Cover the burn with clingfilm
• Use painkillers like paracetamol if necessary
• If the face or eyes are burnt, keep sitting up to reduce swelling

Burns that require immediate A&E treatment are:

• Chemical or electrical
• Large or deep - bigger than the injured person's hand
• Those that cause white or charred skin
• Those on the face, hands, limbs, feet or genitals that blister

Pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, those with a weak immune system and people suffering from a medical condition, like diabetes, should also go to hospital.

Treatment depends on what layers of the skin are affected. 

In severe cases, a skin graft may be required.

Source: NHS Choices