Did you know that putting ice on a burn is dangerous?

Next time you burn yourself, don&#;t reach for that ice pack. While trying to cool down your burn might be your first instinct, the way you cool it is important.

Burns are common injuries and there is a lot of misinformation about how to treat burns at home. Being prepared and knowing how to safely treat a minor burn is important to keep yourself and your kids safe.

Keep reading for our top 5 tips for at-home burn relief. 

Treating Your Burn at Home

Burns are a common household injury that do not always require medical intervention.

Burns are classified in categories by their severity. First-degree burns are the least severe because only the outer layer of skin is burnt.

Second-degree burns, which cause blisters, affect deeper layers of your skin.

Third-degree burns affect all layers of the skin. Finally, fourth-degree burns can involve the joints and bones.

First and second-degree burns can be treated at home if they are less than three inches in diameter. Larger burns and third and fourth-degree burns require immediate medical attention.

Mild burns usually heal in a week or two. They are unlikely to leave a scar.

It&#;s important to treat your burn to prevent infection, speed up healing, and reduce pain. 

1. Keep it Cool

If you burn yourself, your first course of action should be to run cool water over the area for 20 minutes. Make sure the water isn&#;t cold. After 20 minutes, wash the burn with mild soap and water.

You can reduce the pain and swelling of the burnt area by using a cool compress or cool cloth. Apply the compress in 5 to minute intervals. It&#;s important to make sure the compress is not too cold as this might irritate the burn. 

2. Antibiotics

Use an over the counter antibiotic ointment or cream like Neosporin or Bacitracin to prevent infection of the burn. After applying the product, cover the area with a cling film or a sterile dressing or cloth. 

3. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera is effective in treating first and second-degree burns.

Applying aloe vera to your burn will help promote healing by reducing inflammation, promoting circulation, and inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

It&#;s best to use pure aloe vera gel obtained directly from an aloe vera plant. If needed, you can purchase aloe vera gel at a store. 

4. Honey

Applying honey to your burn will help it heal faster. Honey has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. 

5. Pain Reliever

If your burn is causing you pain that is not improved with a cold compress, you can take over the counter pain relievers. Ibuprofen or Naproxen are your best bets.

Read the medication&#;s label for dosage information.

Severe Burn Relief

If you have a severe burn or these burn relief methods are not working for you, consider seeking medical treatment.

If you experience a severe burn that you believe would be considered a third or fourth-degree burn, seek emergency medical treatment. If your mild burn shows signs of infection, seek treatment as soon as possible. 

Contact us for more information. 

Users have been sharing content online that claims steam therapy kills the coronavirus. Examples can be found here and here .

Some variations of this claim best home remedy for steam burn other ingredients to the boiling water or steam, such as orange or lemon ( here ) and peppermint oil ( here ). Another post explains: "This technique will kill the Rona in your nasal passage and throat. Add essential oils or slices of the following for added benefits. Garlic, ginger, cayenne, tea tree, eucalyptus, or neem. There are many others you can add. Do a google search for "antiviral herbs foods" to see if anything you already have in your kitchen will work." ( here )

These claims advise people to boil water, sometimes with other ingredients, then place their face over the steam and inhale in order to kill or eliminate the coronavirus. Some posts advise the user to do this for 15 minutes or however long they can stand.

One post claims: "Steam heat treatment for respiratory viruses. A natural remedy that kills Coronavirus, Influenza, Rhinovirus." ( here )

Neither the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nor the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest steam therapy with any ingredient as a cure for the coronavirus. A representative from the CDC told Reuters that he was not aware of any scientific studies that show steam therapy helps with the coronavirus. 

Steam therapy can help thin mucus as a supplemental course of action to give some relief when grappling a cold or flu ( here ) but overall, scientific studies showing evidence of its usefulness are lacking ( here ).

Additionally, the practice brings risks.

A study published by the Spanish Pediatrics Association notes: "It is apparent that regardless of how SIT [Steam Inhalation Therapy] is applied it carries a risk of burn injury. The usual technique of covering the head with a towel over a pan filled with hot water is dangerous due to the steam, the hot liquid, or even potential contact with the container. " ( here )

The American Burn Association explains, "Hot water will burn skin at temperatures much lower than boiling point (°F/°C). In fact, it only takes 3 seconds of exposure to °F/60°C water to cause a burn serious enough to require surgery!" ( here )

These posts claim that inhalation of steam from boiling water, sometimes with various infused ingredients, will kill the coronavirus. This is false. While it may help ease symptoms like congestion, steam inhalation also carries the risks of burns.

VERDICT

False: Steam best home remedy for steam burn will not kill the coronavirus

This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our fact checking work here .

Burns are common personal injuries that can range considerably in severity. Burns are categorized into three degrees based on this severity, with third-degree burns being the most serious distinction that causes the greatest harm. First-degree burns only affect the outermost part of the skin, second-degree burns affect both the outer and lower layer of the skin and typically result in swelling and blistering, and third-degree burns go through the lower layer of skin and affect deeper tissue, often damaging nerves and leaving the skin white or blackened. Understanding the type of burn that occurred can help you determine the type of first aid to apply and the immediacy of help needed.

In addition, despite the frequency with which burns occur, many people are misinformed about how to treat them, and can sometimes worsen the burn in an attempt to treat it. Below is a non-exhaustive list of dos and don’ts when applying first-aid to a fresh burn.

• Do treat first-degree burns with antibiotic ointment and loosely cover with gauze. Antibiotic ointment can be easily be found at most drug stores and is handy to have around the house for various injuries. This is usually all the treatment that first-degree burns require.
• Don’t put butter on the burn to soothe the pain. An old home remedy for burns involves slathering the burn with butter to reduce pain, but butter and other greasy substances cause the burn to retain more heat, which can increase the severity of the burn. Alternatively, run the burn under cold water for a safe soothing effect.
• Do rinse the burn with water but don’t use ice or ice water. Running cool water over a new burn will lower the temperature of the skin and prevent the burn from worsening. You should do this until much of the pain subsides, sometimes up to half an hour. Be careful not to use ice or ice water, however, which can result in tissue damage and even cause frostbite in severe cases.
• Don’t burst any blisters. Bursting blisters increases your risk for infection, which is already elevated with the contraction of a burn. Signs of infection include pus emerging from the burn, extension or growth of the burn, discoloration of the burn, and fever.
• Do seek immediate medical attention for second and third-degree burns. Third-degree burns especially should not be treated best home remedy for steam burn home as they may involve the need for medical techniques such as skin grafting, antibiotics, and IVs, and can result in the victim’s death if not properly treated.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been wrongfully burned or otherwise injured due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional behavior of another person or party, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay for medical bills, supplement for lost time at work, and mitigate emotional distress. If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment with a qualified Louisville personal injury attorney, please contactSampson Law Firm at () today.

Burn Injury First Aid FAQs

Why shouldn’t I apply ice to my burn?

Many people mistakenly apply ice to burns because it feels soothing, but ice can cause more harm than good in burn cases. Ice should not be applied to burns as it may cause nerve damage and frostbite, especially with more severe burns where the nerve may already be exposed. Using ice after the initial burn may slow the healing the process further and cause more damage to the surrounding skin. Instead of ice, run cold water over the burn for several minutes following the initial burn. If you are unsure of first aid after a burn, it is always best to seek medical attention.

Do I need a tetanus shot?

If the burn is a second or third degree burn and you are not up to date with your tetanus shot, you should get a tetanus shot within the first two days of contracting your burn. Burns are serious best home remedy for steam burn and secondary infections from burns are common. Tetanus is caused by the organism Clostridium tetani, and large open wounds caused by burns are good breeding ground for the bacteria, which can lead to tetanus. Tetanus is a bacterial infection characterized by painful muscle spasms and lockjaw and can even lead to death. It is recommended to have a tetanus shot at least every ten years to reduce risk of this infection and is particularly necessary in instances of injury such as burns.

How can I tell how serious my burn is?

You can determine the severity of your burn and how much first aid is needed by the appearance of the burn and your symptoms. There are three categories of burns based on their severity: first, second, and third degree burns. First degree burns only affect the outermost layer of the skin, will appear best home remedy for steam burn and potentially swollen, but will not produce blisters. First degree burns can usually be treated at home. Second degree burns are more serious than first degree and will produce painful blisters and swelling. Second degree burns usually require medical attention. Third degree burns are the most severe type of burns and may appear black, white, or charred and may result in nerve damage. Third degree burns can be fatal and those affected should seek medical attention immediately. If you are having trouble determining the severity of your burn, it is best to seek professional medical attention.

Runny noses are annoying and can affect your mood and daily life — the huge mess of used tissues, the inability to taste your food, it may sometimes even block your ears. In severe cases, you may even have difficulty breathing. So, how do you go about reducing the physical discomforts brought by a runny nose? How to cure a runny nose so that you can be your best self? 

Before we dive into cures and remedies, we need to look at the cause of your leaky snout. Understanding the underlying issues can help you address the problem.

What causes a runny nose?

There are 4 common causes of runny noses. We take a look at each of them and find out how they affect you.

1. The common cold

The common cold, also known as an upper respiratory infection (URI), is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. Though the name ‘common cold’ might suggest that you get it from exposure to cold weather, this isn’t entirely true. There are over two hundred different viruses that cause upper respiratory infections.

The common cold can spread through air (e.g. inhaling the respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing) and close personal contact (e.g. touching the nose or mouth by hand or other object exposed to the virus). This is why it can easily infect entire households and offices in a short period of time. A crowded and confined space is the perfect environment for the spread of the common cold.

COVID is another virus that spreads quickly through droplets, but not all sniffles equate to COVID If you’ve respiratory symptoms and are concerned about the risks, MyDoc’s COVID clinic is here to provide timely triage assessments. 

2. Allergies

Allergies are another common cause for runny noses. This happens when you come into contact with allergens or irritants that trigger an allergic reaction. 

Allergens can range from dust, pollen, animal fur or even certain foods. For those allergic to pollen, the allergies come seasonally. You can expect a runny nose in spring and summer, when flowering plants, trees, weeds and grasses begin producing pollen.

You get allergic reactions because your immune system is reacting to these allergen particles perceived as an best home remedy for steam burn threat to your health. These particles can also irritate your nasal passage. As a result, the body reacts with a runny nose, sneezing or inflammation. The nasal secretions from allergies are usually clear. They may become yellow and purulent in some rare cases.

Read more about hay fever here.

3. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes or imbalance can cause inflammation and enlargement of the nasal blood vessel. 

This condition is known as hormonal rhinitis. Hormonal changes or imbalance can cause a direct effect on the membranes in your nasal passage. Your nose will start producing more mucus than usual, leaving you with a dreadful runny nose.

Hormonal rhinitis is a common symptom in pregnant women. This is because pregnancy is a period of major hormonal changes. 39% of pregnant women will experience a runny nose and nasal congestion. Menopause, puberty and contraceptive use can also lead to hormonal rhinitis.

4. Cold air

Cold climate is not an issue here in Singapore. We get to enjoy sweltering tropical heat all year round. To combat the unbearable heat, we use air conditioning. But this brings on the same problems as cold climates.

Cold air can be drying, and this will cause your nasal membranes to dry out. With a dry nose, your body responds by triggering an increased production of mucus. This is an attempt to try and balance out the fluids in your nasal passage. 

That’s why your nose always gets a little wet and runny when you’re in a room that’s too cold.

Symptoms of a runny nose

You might think that your nose is just reacting to dusty or cold environments. However, a runny nose is usually a sign that your nasal passage is inflamed and irritated. 

If left untreated, these symptoms may end up lasting for a few days or even weeks. Here are some signs of a runny nose:

• Excessive mucus production
• Nasal discharge
• Difficulty breathing 
• Nasal congestion
• Bouts of sneezing
• Headache or facial pain due to increased pressure in the nasal cavities
• Sore throat or cough due to mucus dripping back into your throat (post-nasal drip)

In some severe cases, you might get nose bleeds from blowing your nose too much or even end up with a sore throat or laryngitis due to prolonged post-nasal drip. 

Read more about laryngitis here.

How to treat a runny nose

A common way to treat a runny nose is to take antihistamines. 

When you get a runny nose, your body is actually producing chemicals called histamines. This chemical is usually released when your body tries to combat infections and allergies. Histamines are responsible for causing inflammation, and antihistamines work to block the effects of it. 

Antihistamines can give you relief from the sneezing, runny nose and coughing. You can get over-the-counter antihistamine medication at convenience stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. 

Clarinase, Zyrtec, Clarityn and Telfast are some examples of over-the-counter antihistamines, and you can buy them without a prescription from a doctor. Do note that these antihistamines can make you drowsy, so it might be a good idea to take them before you go to bed.

Other types of over-the-counter medication can include decongestants. Decongestants can help combat the stuffiness and blocked nasal passageways. These decongestants can be in the form of nasal sprays, medicated oils or even humidifiers.

Not sure what are the differences between antihistamines and decongestants? Find out here. 

Home remedies for a runny nose

If you’re looking for quicker relief, you might want to try some of these simple and effective home remedies for your runny nose. 

1. Drink hot tea

Some teas contain herbs that are mild decongestants. Instead of regular black or red tea, try non-caffeinated chamomile, ginger or mint tea. These specific herbs contain anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that can ease the blockage in your nose.

Now don’t go searching for the nearest bubble tea shop to get your tea fix. Instead of iced tea, we recommend opting for a cup of hot tea. 

Hot beverages are more effective than cold drinks. This is due to the heat and steam that can help open up your airways and assist with decongestion. The heat can also soothe best home remedy for steam burn inflammation of your nose and best home remedy for steam burn. Facial steam

Facial steam is a method often used to open pores for clearing pimples and acne, but that’s not the only thing it can do — it can also help to open up your blocked nasal passageways. 

Facial steam helps to thin out mucus and provide the much-needed moisture for healing. This clears your blocked nose and helps you to breathe better.

To create your own facial steam:

1. Get a bowl of steaming hot water and a towel. You can get it by heating clean water in a clean pot on your stove and heat it just enough so that steam is created
2. Place your head over the bowl of hot water and cover your head with the towel. 
3. Keep your head there for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time. 
4. Inhale the steam from the bowl to clear your nose and get faster relief.

Studies have shown that steam inhalation can reduce recovery time by about a week.

You can also add in essential oils to your bowl of hot water. Try tea tree oils, peppermint, thyme, rosemary, pine, sage or eucalyptus. These oils contain compounds like menthol and thymol that can help to decongest the nose and leave you feeling much better.

3. Blow your nose gently

If you’ve got a runny nose, always keep some tissues on hand. Blow your nose to clear the mucus whenever you can, but not too hard. 

By blowing too hard, you can send the germ-carrying phlegm and mucus back into your ear passages, which may lead to an ear infection. To prevent this, clear one nostril at a time by pressing a finger over one nostril and blow gently to clear the other.

It’s important not to sniffle your mucus back into your head. The germ-carrying mucus and phlegm should be expelled when possible. Keeping it in allows it to breed and spread germs into other parts of your head. For example, postnasal drip (mucus dripping back to your throat) can lead to an inflamed throat. 

4. Stuff your nose

Blowing your nose is like a double-edged sword. You need to expel the mucus and phlegm, but you also can’t do it too hard. 

If you do, you might aggravate your condition as the force can cause swelling and inflammation. Additionally, the skin around your nose is very sensitive and constant nose blowing can cause soreness and pain.

Other than blowing your nose, you can try stuffing it too! Roll up a wad of tissue and stuff it into one nostril at a time. The tissues can soak up and absorb the excess mucus around the nostril. 

This method is a much gentler approach to clearing mucus and phlegm than blowing your nose. The only drawback is that you might look silly with wads of tissue sticking out from your nose.

5. Menthol rubs or menthol lozenges

Time to whip out the good old Axe Oil your grandfather keeps in his back pocket!

While your neighbourhood coffee shop uncles favour Axe Oil, there are other brands of menthol rubs. You can find Vicks, Tiger Balm, Olbas Mentholatum and many more at your local convenience store or pharmacy. If your skin is sensitive to oils and rubs, you can opt to suck on a lozenge instead.

However, you should be aware that menthol doesn’t do much to ease nasal congestion. What they do is trigger menthol receptors in your nose that makes you feel like you’re breathing better. 

Menthol rubs and lozenges can also help with other cold symptoms like cough and sore throat that comes hand-in-hand with runny noses.

When using menthol rubs, avoid rubbing it directly in or on your nose. The skin around your nose is sensitive, and these rubs might cause skin irritation. Instead, apply a small amount below your nose or on your upper lip. 

Here’s a quick breakdown on the effectiveness and risks that come with the 5 home remedies for a runny nose.

Tips on coping with a runny nose

Dealing with a runny nose is an unpleasant experience. The discomfort, hassle and lack of sleep can leave you feeling angry and irritable. 

How can you make it a little more bearable? Here are some tips on coping with a runny nose.

1. Use soft tissues when blowing your nose

fairfield national bank locations fabric you choose to blow your nose with can make a significant difference. The skin around your nose is very sensitive and prone to irritation. So it’s important to choose soft and gentle fabrics. 

Avoid using paper towels, handkerchiefs or cloth. Opt for facial tissues instead. Try facial tissues that contain lotion or softeners that make the tissue gentler on the skin.

Now you might be tempted to blow your nose with wet tissues. Wet = moisture, and moisture means it&#;s suitable for relieving your blocked nose, right? Well, no. Wet tissues usually contain alcohol which can dry out your nose and worsen the condition. 

2. Use the remedies before you sleep

Your body needs sufficient rest to heal itself, but getting enough sleep when you have a runny nose can be rather difficult. The discomfort and difficulty breathing tends to keep you up at night.

Based on this, it might be a good idea to use the remedies listed right before you go to bed. Do your best to clear your mucus before bed to ease the congestion. You might fall asleep a little easier. 

If you’re down with a runny nose, it’s best to stay at home and rest. You’ll also be sparing others from the risk of catching your cold. Do your best to ensure that you get enough sleep to allow your body to gather strength to heal itself.

3. Practice good hygiene to stop germs from spreading

Treating yourself right so that you can get better is paramount. Making sure that you don’t spread your germs to people around you is equally important. Be responsible and do what you can to reduce the spread of germs by practising good hygiene.

Make it a point to wash your hands often and ensure that you soap and lather thoroughly. Clean between your fingers, under your nails, around your wrists and the back of your hand. As a rule of thumb, a thorough hand washing should last for about 20 seconds. If you want to go the extra mile, carry a hand sanitiser with you.

Coughing and sneezing? Instead of covering with your hands, try covering your mouth with the crease of your elbow. Your elbow crease is not something you use as regularly as your hands. 

For those of you that are always prepared with tissues on hand, make sure you dispose of them properly. Don’t leave your tissues lying around. After blowing or wiping your nose, throw it away immediately. Don’t put it back into your pockets. 

You might also want to consider putting on a face mask to reduce the spread of germs. 

Nothing beats a doctor’s prescription

These home remedies are meant to provide relief. Some of them might work better for you than others. 

But if you suspect that the cause of your runny nose is a bacterial or viral infection, it is best to see a doctor. Home remedies and over-the-counter medication may not directly combat the virus or the bacteria that are causing the runny nose. They might relieve the symptoms, but not treat the cause.

If you’re looking for a more direct approach to curing a runny nose, see a medical professional. Get a proper diagnosis of the underlying cause for the runny nose and get medication that can address it directly.

Not feeling well enough to go out and see a doctor? Try a virtual consultation with MyDoc.

• First-degree burns (Minor Burns): Redness and pain on the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and are considered mild when compared to other best home remedy for steam burn burns: Deep burn with redness, blisters, considerable pain and swelling, that affects the outer and lower layers of skin (epidermis and dermis)¹
• Third-degree burns: Deep tissue destruction that affects the dermis and lower layers that results in a white or charred appearance. These burns can be numb¹

Minor Burn Treatment:

1. Remove clothing if it is not stuck to the burn
2. If possible, hold burn under cool running water for minutes until pain is reduced or apply a clean and wet cloth to the burn
3. Once the burn is cooled, ensure that it is a minor burn. If it is not, seek medical attention immediately
4. You can choose to apply a thin layer of ointment on the burn.
5. To protect the burn from rubbing and pressure, apply a sterile non-stick piece of gauze to the burn and keep in place by using a medical tape or wrap. Change the dressing daily.
6. For burn pain relief, take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen and follow the directions on the bottle.²

For second and third degree burns, large burns, or burns on the hand, foot, face, groin, buttocks, hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, or wrist seek medical care immediately

References

1. mynewextsetup.us
2. mynewextsetup.us

Honey has been used for treating wounds, including burn wounds, for thousands of years, as far back as ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Today, we know that honey has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and several studies over the last few decades have found that honey can reduce healing times, infection and inflammation, even when compared to conventional wound treatments such as antiseptics.

There are likely to be many mechanisms at play in honey’s wound-healing abilities, and we don’t know the full story. But we do know that honey stimulates white blood cell production, which triggers tissue repair and regrowth. Honey is also acidic, so it lowers the pH of a wound, which hinders bacterial growth and speeds up healing. Honey’s high sugar content is also bad news for bacteria, causing them to become dehydrated, while honey’s antioxidants help to reduce inflammation.

Doctors today still use honey-infused dressings to treat wounds, including burns. But best home remedy for steam burn shouldn’t use the honey from your cupboard at home without speaking to a doctor first. Medical honey has been sterilised, whereas standard honey contains microbes that could get into the wound and cause problems.

For burns, you’re best off putting the affected area under the cold tap for at least 10 minutes, before picking up a gel or dressing at your local pharmacy. Save the honey for your toast instead.

Read more:

Users have been sharing content online that claims steam therapy kills the coronavirus. Examples can be found here and here .

Some variations of this claim add other ingredients to the boiling water or steam, such as orange or lemon ( here ) and peppermint oil ( here ). Another post explains: "This technique will kill the Rona in your nasal passage and throat. Add essential oils or slices of the following for added benefits. Garlic, ginger, cayenne, tea tree, eucalyptus, or neem. There are many others you can add. Do a google search for "antiviral herbs foods" to see if anything you already have in your kitchen will work." ( here )

These claims advise people to boil water, sometimes with other ingredients, then place their face over the steam and inhale in order to kill or eliminate the coronavirus. Some posts advise the user to do this for 15 minutes or however long they can stand.

One post claims: "Steam heat treatment for respiratory viruses. A natural remedy that kills Coronavirus, Influenza, Rhinovirus." ( here )

Neither the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nor the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest steam therapy with any ingredient as a cure for the coronavirus. A representative from the CDC told Reuters that he was not aware of any scientific studies that show steam therapy helps with the coronavirus. 

Steam therapy can help thin mucus as a supplemental course of action to give some relief when grappling a cold or flu ( here ) but overall, scientific studies showing evidence of its usefulness are lacking ( here ).

Additionally, the practice brings risks.

A study published by the Spanish Pediatrics Association notes: "It is apparent that regardless of how SIT [Steam Inhalation Therapy] is applied it carries a risk of burn injury. The usual technique of covering the head with a towel over a pan filled with hot water is dangerous due to the steam, the hot liquid, or even potential contact with the container. " ( here )

The American Burn Association explains, "Hot water will burn skin at temperatures much lower than boiling point (°F/°C). In fact, it only takes 3 seconds of exposure to °F/60°C water to cause a burn serious enough to require surgery!" ( here )

These posts claim that inhalation of steam from boiling water, sometimes with various infused ingredients, will kill the coronavirus. This is false. While it may help ease symptoms like congestion, steam inhalation also carries the risks of burns.

VERDICT

False: Steam therapy will not kill the coronavirus

This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our fact checking work here .

Burns are common personal injuries that can range considerably in severity. Burns are categorized into three degrees based on this severity, with third-degree burns being the most serious distinction that causes the greatest harm. First-degree burns only affect the outermost part of the skin, second-degree burns affect both the outer and lower layer of the skin and typically result in swelling and blistering, and third-degree burns go through the lower layer of skin and affect deeper tissue, often damaging nerves and leaving the skin white or blackened. Understanding the type of burn that occurred can help you determine the type of first aid to apply and the immediacy of help needed.

In addition, despite the frequency with which burns occur, many people are misinformed about how to treat them, and can sometimes worsen the burn in an attempt to treat it. Below is a non-exhaustive list of dos and don’ts when applying first-aid to a fresh burn.

• Do treat first-degree burns with antibiotic ointment and loosely cover with gauze. Antibiotic ointment can be easily be found at most drug stores and is handy to have around the house for various injuries. This is usually all the treatment that first-degree burns require.
• Don’t put butter on the burn to soothe the pain. An old home remedy for burns involves slathering the burn with butter to reduce pain, but butter and other greasy substances cause the burn to retain more heat, which can increase the severity of the burn. Alternatively, run the burn under cold water for a safe soothing effect.
• Do rinse the burn with water but don’t use ice or ice water. Running cool water over a new burn will lower the temperature of the skin and prevent the burn from worsening. You should do this until much of the pain subsides, sometimes up to half an hour. Be careful not to use ice or ice water, however, which can result in tissue damage and even cause frostbite in severe cases.
• Don’t burst any blisters. Bursting blisters increases your risk for infection, which is already elevated with the contraction of a burn. Signs of infection include pus emerging from the burn, extension or growth of the burn, discoloration of the burn, and fever.
• Do seek immediate medical attention for second and third-degree burns. Third-degree burns especially should not be treated at home as they may involve the need for medical techniques such as skin grafting, antibiotics, and IVs, and can result in the victim’s death if not properly treated.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been wrongfully burned or otherwise injured due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional behavior of another person or party, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay for medical bills, supplement for lost time at work, and mitigate emotional distress. If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment with a qualified Louisville personal injury attorney, please contactSampson Law Firm at () today.

Burn Injury First Aid FAQs

Why shouldn’t I apply ice to my burn?

Many people mistakenly apply ice to burns because it feels soothing, but ice can cause more harm than good in burn cases. Ice should not be applied to burns as it may cause nerve damage and frostbite, especially with more severe burns where the nerve may already be exposed. Using ice after the initial burn may slow the healing the process further and cause more damage to the surrounding skin. Instead of ice, run cold water over the burn for several minutes following the initial burn. If you are unsure of first aid after a burn, it is always best to seek medical attention.

Do I need a tetanus shot?

If the burn is a second or third degree burn and you are not up to date with your tetanus shot, you should get a tetanus shot within the first two days of contracting your burn. Burns are serious injuries and secondary infections from burns are common. Tetanus is caused by the organism Clostridium tetani, and large open wounds caused by burns are good breeding ground for the bacteria, which can lead to tetanus. Tetanus is a bacterial infection characterized by painful muscle spasms and lockjaw and can even lead to death. It is recommended to have a tetanus shot at least every ten years to reduce risk of this infection and is particularly necessary in instances of injury such as burns.

How can I tell how serious my burn is?

You can determine the severity of your burn and how much first aid is needed by the appearance of the burn and your symptoms. There are three categories of burns based on their severity: first, second, and third degree burns. First degree burns only affect the outermost layer of the skin, will appear red and potentially swollen, but will not produce blisters. First degree burns can usually be treated at home. Second degree burns are more serious than first degree and will produce painful blisters and swelling. Second degree burns usually require medical attention. Third degree burns are the most severe type of burns and may appear black, white, or charred and may result in nerve damage. Third degree burns can be fatal and those affected should seek medical attention immediately. If you are having trouble determining the severity of your burn, it is best to seek professional medical attention.

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The AAD's Coronavirus Resource Center will help you find information about how you can continue to care for your skin, hair, and nails.

To help care for your skin during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond, the AAD recommends these tips from board-certified dermatologists.

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Cosmetic treatments

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You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?

If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.

Parents & kids

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Having acne can feel devastating for a teenager. Here are 5 things you can do to help your teen.

It’s contagious, but you can reduce your child’s risk of catching it. Find out what helps.

If your child develops scabies, everyone in your household will need treatment. Follow this advice to treat everyone safely and effectively.

Public health programs

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AAD Shade Structures provide permanent outdoor shade in areas that are not protected from the sun.

A chronic skin condition can make attending summer camp unrealistic for some children. Camp Discovery changes that.

Find a dermatologist

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You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.

When it comes to treating the skin, plenty of people say they have expertise. Only a board-certified dermatologist has these credentials.