Minor Burn: What to Do

Minor burns often cause redness, tenderness and swelling; some produce a small blister. The skin may feel tight or sensitive as it heals. A burn that looks limited can still matter when it affects a finger, hand, face, foot, genital area or a major joint. Numbness, a waxy or leathery surface, or darkened skin may indicate deeper damage and should not be managed only at home.

Move away from the heat source and remove loose jewellery or clothing near the injury. Cool the area under clean, cool running water for several minutes. Avoid ice and very cold water, which can injure already stressed skin. Pat dry, then place a clean non-stick dressing over the burn. Do not pop blisters, pull away attached fabric or apply butter, oil or toothpaste. Keep the dressing clean and dry; Wound Care and Dressing explains how to protect a healing wound.

Seek urgent care for an electrical or chemical burn, breathing difficulty, burns to the face or eye, extensive injury, severe pain, numbness, or skin that is white, black or leathery. Arrange medical review when the burn crosses a joint, goes around a finger or limb, restricts movement, or is becoming more red, warm, swollen or wet. Fever or pus also warrants assessment. If unsure about depth, contact a clinician rather than repeatedly disturbing the wound.

Ask whether the burn needs professional cleaning, which dressing to use, how to keep nearby joints moving, and which symptoms should trigger urgent reassessment.