- Stop the burning process
Remove clothing and jewelry near the burn, but do not remove anything stuck to the skin since it can cause more damage.
- Immediately cool the burn
Immediately start to cool the burn injury and keep cooling for 15-20 minutes, to limit the burn and prevent it from getting worse. Cool the burn with running lukewarm water (20-28 degrees), cooling burn gel compresses or a clean wet cloth.
- Only cool the injury – Not the whole body
It’s critical to avoid cooling the whole body since it can lower the body temperature to a dangerously low temperature (below °35 C) and cause the severe condition of hypothermia.
- Keep the person warm and dry
Keep the person warm and dry after cooling the burn
- Seek medical attention for:
Burns larger than the palm of the injured person’s hand
Burns in sensitive parts like hands, feet, face, genitals and joints
Third degree burns or deep injuries
Burns that cause white, black or charred skin or if you lose feeling in the area
All chemical burns and electrical burns
Burn injuries inflicted on children or elderly
- Protect the burn
Keep the burn injury clean and dry
