Self-Care Pocket Guide • Injuries and Accidents
Burns

Overview

Burns can be caused by fire, hot surfaces, steam, scalding liquids, chemicals, electricity, or the sun. The severity of a burn depends upon the type of "heat" and the duration of exposure to it.

Signs and Symptoms

1st-degree burns (affect the outer layer of skin)

• Redness, pain, swelling, and sensitivity to touch of the burned area.
• Burned skin remains intact.

2nd-degree burns (affect both the outer and lower layers of skin)

• Symptoms of 1st-degree burns but more severe.
• Usually, blisters and/or shiny, weepy, or watery areas.

3rd-degree burns

• White, cooked, or charred-appearing skin.
• Often little or no pain initially, because nerves have been destroyed.
• More frequent, more severe complications than with 1st- or 2nd-degree burns.

Self-Care Measures

• Cleanse the area gently with mild soap and water.
• Soak the burned area in cold (not ice) water for 10 minutes to relieve tenderness.
• Don't use butter, ointments or grease-based products on the burn.
• Take an OTC analgesic as needed for pain. Ibuprofen is preferred.
• Don't break blisters. Cover blistered areas with a dry dressing that won't stick to your skin. Change it at least twice a day—more often, if needed.

Red Flags

CALL THE UHS 24-HOUR NURSE ADVICE LINE 475-NURS (475-6877) IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:

• Any part of a burn appears to be a 3rd-degree burn.
• Any size 2nd degree burn if you haven't had a tetanus shot within the last 5 years or you're unsure about your tetanus status.
• Any burn to the head, face, or genital areas or any 2nd-degree or large burn to the hands, especially on the palms.
• Multiple burned areas or a 1st- or 2nd-degree burn that is larger than the palm of your hand.
• Signs of infection such as increased redness, pain, swelling, or a fever above 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C).
• Yellow or persistent bloody discharge in the burned area.

CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:

• Burns caused by electricity, especially if there was a loss of consciousness.
• Burns to your eyes, including those caused by chemicals.
• Burns that are obviously severe and/or over a significant part of your body.