In this Article

• Introduction to burns
• How are burns classified?
• What is the significance of the amount of body area burned?
• How important is the location of a burn?
• What about electrical burns?
• What about chemical burns?
• First aid for burns
• Burns Glossary
• Burns Index

First aid for burns

For major burns (second and third degree burns)

1. Remove the victim from the burning area, remembering not to put the rescuer in danger.
   
   
2. Remove any burning material from the patient.
   
   
3. Call 911 or activate the emergency response system in your area if needed.
   
   
4. Once the victim is in a safe place, keep them warm and still. Try to wrap the injured areas in a clean sheet if available. DO NOT use cold water on the victim; this may drop the body temperature and cause hypothermia.

Burns of the face, hands, and feet should always be considered a significant injury (although this may exclude sunburn.

For minor burns (first degree burns or second degree burns involving a small area of the body)

• Gently clean the wound with lukewarm water.
  
  
• Though butter has been used as a home remedy, it should NOT be used on any burn.
  
  
• Rings, bracelets, and other potentially constricting articles should be removed (edema, or swelling from inflammation may occur and the item may cut into the skin).
  
  
• The burn may be dressed with a topical antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Neosporin.
  
  
• If there is concern that the burn is deeper and may be second or third degree in nature, medical care should be accessed.
  
  
• Tetanus immunization should be updated if needed.

For electrical burns

Victims of electrical burns should always seek medical care.

For chemical burns

1. Identify the chemical that was involved.
   
   
2. Contact the Poison Control Center in your area or your local hospital's Emergency Department. The United States National Poison Hotline is 1-800-222-1222. You will be automatically linked to the nearest poison control center.  Many chemical burns may be treated with local wound care. Some chemicals can cause life- and limb-threatening injuries and need emergent intervention.
   
   
3. Victims with chemical burns to their eyes should always seek emergency care.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• zinc oxide-topical, Desitin - Consumer information about the medication ZINC OXIDE - TOPICAL (Desitin), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug ZINC OXIDE - TOPICAL.
• Electrolytes - Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicorbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.
• Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss.

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