Emergency? For severe burns, call 911 immediately

Expert Burn Care at Your Fingertips

Assess burn severity, follow evidence-based first aid protocols, and understand recovery timelines. From minor kitchen burns to serious injuries.

Assess Severity First Aid Steps

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Burn Severity Assessment Tool

Answer these questions to determine the likely severity of the burn

This tool is for informational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for burn injuries.

1. What caused the burn?

2. Skin appearance?

3. Pain level?

4. Approximate size of burn area

5. Location of burn

First Aid Protocol

Evidence-based immediate care for burns

STOP the burning process
Remove from heat source. Remove clothing/jewelry near the burn (unless stuck to skin). For chemical burns, brush off dry chemicals first.

COOL with running water
Hold under cool (not ice cold) running water for 20 minutes. This is the single most effective first aid treatment. Do NOT use ice, butter, or toothpaste.

COVER with clean dressing
Apply a sterile, non-stick dressing or clean plastic wrap (cling film). Do NOT pop blisters. Do NOT apply adhesive bandages directly to burned skin.

MANAGE pain
Over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Keep the burn elevated if possible. Aloe vera gel can be applied to minor (1st degree) burns only.

SEEK medical attention if needed
For burns larger than your palm, on face/hands/feet/joints, chemical/electrical burns, or any burn with white/charred appearance. Call 911 for extensive burns.

NEVER DO: Apply ice, butter, oil, or toothpaste. Do not pop blisters. Do not remove clothing stuck to a burn. Do not use cotton balls or fluffy materials on burns.

Understanding Burn Degrees

1st Degree

Epidermis only (outer skin layer)

✓ Red, dry skin
✓ Painful to touch
✓ No blisters
✓ Example: mild sunburn

Heals: 3-7 days
Usually no scarring

2nd Degree

Epidermis + part of dermis

✓ Red, wet appearance
✓ Blisters present
✓ Very painful
✓ Swelling

Heals: 2-3 weeks
May leave mild scarring

3rd Degree

Full thickness - all skin layers

✓ White, waxy, or charred
✓ No pain (nerves destroyed)
✓ Leather-like texture
✓ ALWAYS needs medical care

Heals: Months+
Requires surgery, will scar

Burn Prevention Tips

Kitchen Safety
Turn pot handles inward. Use oven mitts. Keep children away from stove. Check food temperature before serving. Never leave cooking oil unattended.

Water Heater
Set water heater to 120°F (49°C) max. Test bath water before entering. Install anti-scald devices on faucets.

Sun Protection
Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours. Wear protective clothing. Avoid peak sun hours (10am-4pm). Reapply after swimming.

Fire Safety
Install smoke detectors on every floor. Keep fire extinguisher in kitchen. Plan and practice escape routes. Never use gasoline near flames.