How to treat minor burns on the skin

A minor burn may cause redness, tenderness and a shallow blister on the outer skin. Heat can continue damaging tissue after the source is removed, so early cooling matters. The appearance can change as swelling develops. A burn involving the face, hands, feet, genitals, a major joint or a wide area needs more cautious assessment, even if it first looks limited.

Move away from the heat source and cool the burn under cool running water for a sustained period. Remove rings, watches and loose clothing near the area before swelling increases, but do not pull away anything stuck to the skin. Cover the burn with a clean non-stick dressing or clean cling film laid over it without wrapping tightly. Do not apply ice, butter, oils, toothpaste or adhesive dressings, and do not break blisters. Keep the person warm overall while the injured area is cooled.

Get urgent medical help for a deep, pale, charred or numb burn; an electrical or chemical burn; smoke inhalation; breathing difficulty; or a burn to a critical body area. Seek assessment if the burn is larger than the person’s palm, pain is severe, blisters are extensive, or redness, warmth, swelling or discharge increases later. A clinician can provide [Minor Burn Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/minor-burn-treatment/) and arrange [Wound Care and Dressing](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/wound-care-and-dressing/).

Ask whether the depth and location need review, which dressing to use, how often to change it, and what changes could indicate infection or delayed healing.