Carnegie Mellon

Burns

Always seek medical attention for any burn on the hands, face, genitalia or feet, or if any burn is larger than the size of your hand. The emergency treatment of any type of burn requires a quick response to prevent further damage to the area of the body effected.

First Degree Burn-Redness Only

• Rinse with cold water or apply cold compresses to area.
• Gently cleanse with mild soap and water. Rinse well.
• Seek medical attention if swelling or discharge from the wound appear.

Second Degree Burns

• Rinse with cold water.
• Gently cleanse with mild soap and water. Rinse well.
• Apply clean dressing.
• Seek medical attention.
• Do not apply ointments or creams.
• Do not break blisters.

Third Degree Burn-White or Charred Skin

• Flush with cold water.
• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Help victim sit up if face is burned. This will facilitate breathing until emergency medical help arrives.
• Do not apply ointments or creams.

Chemical Burn

• Remove the cause of the burn by flushing the chemical off the skin with water for at least 10 minutes (if powder, brush off).
• Wrap the affected area in a dry dressing.
• Seek medical help as soon as possible and take the name of the chemical with you and the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) if available.

Electrical Burns

All electrical burns, no matter how minor, should be checked by a medical facility. There can be damage to parts of the body that are not visible or do not appear immediately. A burn of this type can cause cardiac irregularities.

Sun Burns

The type of burns received from prolonged exposure to the sun can be minor to severe depending on the amount of exposure. To prevent burns from the sun you can:

• Avoid exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Wear proper clothing.
• Protect your skin by using sunscreens -- at least SPF of 15, offering protection against both UVB and UVA rays. Apply 15 to 30 minutes before exposure.
• Wear sunglasses.

Treatment for Overexposure:

Mild (no blisters)

• Cool the skin with cold compresses.
• Stay out of the sun.
• Use an over the counter pain product to soothe the skin.
• You can take acetaminophen every four to six hours as needed for discomfort.

Severe (blisters and redness over a large area of the body)

• Apply cold compresses.
• Do not break the blisters.
• You can take acetaminophen every four to six hours for pain.
• Follow the instructions for treating a second degree burn.