What should you know about minor face burn?

A facial burn may cause redness, tenderness, swelling or blisters. Heat, chemicals, steam and smoke can also injure the eyes, lips, mouth or airway. The skin may look less damaged than the deeper injury, and swelling can develop gradually. A burn around the eye can affect vision; a burn inside the mouth can make swallowing difficult. These features make facial burns different from a small burn on an uncomplicated area of skin.

Move away from the heat or smoke and remove jewellery, glasses or clothing near the area if they are not stuck. Cool the burn with clean, cool running water or a clean cool compress, taking care not to chill the person. Do not apply ice, butter, oil, creams or adhesive dressings, and do not pop blisters. Keep the person sitting upright if the face is swelling. Arrange medical advice for a facial burn, particularly when blisters or chemical exposure are present.

Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, hoarseness, coughing after smoke exposure, swelling of the lips or tongue, confusion or collapse. Seek urgent assessment for eye pain or vision change, chemical burns, deep or pale skin, extensive blistering, severe pain, or burns involving the mouth or nose. Remove contact lenses if easy to do; do not delay emergency care while trying to treat the skin.

Explain the source, temperature or chemical involved, time of exposure and first aid already given. Ask whether the eyes, airway or deeper tissue need checking, what dressing is suitable, how to manage pain, and when follow-up is needed.