The first step in taking care of any burn is to remove the cause of the burn and then dissipate the heat from the skin. Fortunately, simply running cool water over the burn can accomplish both of these tasks. Despite what your grandmother may have told you, putting butter, grease, or any other lotion or salve on the burn is not a good idea. These methods do not dissipate the heat from the skin well, and, depending upon the type of burn, may actually allow infection to occur. Nor should you use ice – it can worsen the burn and be extremely painful.

Your next step depends on what type of burn it is:

A first-degree burn requires only tender loving care and paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain. Once you have run cold water over the burn, use moisturising lotions to soothe the skin.
A second-degree burn can be handled by first cleaning the burn with mild soap and water, using topical antibiotic ointment, and covering it with a bandage. Any blisters that form should not be broken.

When to get immediate attention

For a third-degree burn
For any burn to the face, hands, feet or groin area

If you are uncertain as to what type of burn you're dealing with, call your doctor for advice after you have run the burn under cool water. Most of the time, the doctor will want to assess it in the clinic. However, depending upon the exact nature of the burn, he or she may be able to assess it over the phone.

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Burns