What should you know about a minor burn on the arm?

A small arm burn may be red, sore and swollen. Blistering means the heat has affected deeper skin layers, while white, leathery, charred or numb skin can signal a more serious injury. The forearm and upper arm may heal differently depending on the burn depth and whether clothing or a watch trapped heat against the skin.

Because the arm bends and moves, a dressing can rub or restrict movement. Burns crossing the elbow or wrist need careful assessment because healing tightness can affect function.

End contact with the heat and cool the area under clean, cool running water. Remove rings, watches and tight sleeves near the burn if they are not stuck. Never pull away material attached to the skin. Avoid ice, butter and household creams, and do not break blisters.

Cover the injury loosely with a clean Sterile Wound Dressing. Keep it protected from friction, change it as instructed and wash your hands before touching the area. If the skin opens, follow Wound Care and Dressing advice. Minor Burn Treatment can help you understand what professional assessment may involve.

Get urgent assessment if the burn is deep, large, numb, charred, caused by electricity or chemicals, or wraps around the arm. Seek prompt care for injury over the elbow or wrist, worsening pain, spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, or reduced movement. Emergency help is needed for breathing trouble or burns involving the face or airway.

Ask whether the location or depth requires a dressing change, how to keep the elbow or wrist moving, what signs suggest infection and when you can return to work, sport or normal washing.