Healing minor burns: what to know

A minor burn may cause redness, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes small blisters. The skin barrier is temporarily damaged, so friction and contamination can delay healing. The appearance can change over the first days. A burn that is deep, extensive, circumferential, caused by electricity or chemicals, or located on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over a major joint needs medical assessment even if it first seems manageable.

Cool the burn under cool running water as soon as possible; avoid ice, butter, oils, and adhesive materials placed directly on the skin. Remove jewellery or tight clothing near the area unless stuck. Cover it loosely with a sterile, non-stick dressing, keep the dressing clean and dry, and avoid breaking blisters. Use suitable pain relief only as directed on the label or by a clinician. See Minor Burn Treatment and Wound Care and Dressing for further guidance.

Get medical help if pain, redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, or fever increases, or if the wound is not improving. Seek urgent care for pale, charred, leathery, numb, or deeply blistered skin; breathing difficulty; an electrical or chemical burn; or a burn involving a sensitive body area. A child, older adult, or person with diabetes may need earlier assessment.

Ask whether the depth and location need examination, which dressing suits the wound, how often it should be changed, and which pain relief is appropriate. Check whether tetanus protection or follow-up is needed.