Minor Burns

Causes

Burns are one of the most common household injuries. Most accidental burns, particularly minor burns, can be healed without serious medical attention. Burns happen from a variety of incidents that include:

• Scalding from hot/boiling liquids
• Touching a burning surface
• Excessive sun exposure
• Chemical burns
• Electrical burns
• Fire or flame

Symptoms

Since first-degree burns are the most minor of burns, they cause minimal skin damage. They’re also known as “superficial burns.” Since first-degree burns affect only the first layer of skin, they often heal in seven to 10 days without any scars. Some symptoms of a first-degree burn are:

• Pain
• Redness
• Minor inflammation and/or swelling
• Dry and peeling skin as the burn heals

However, a first-degree burn can be more serious if it covers more than a three-inch area, and if it’s on your face or a major joint. This includes:

• Ankle
• Knee
• Foot
• Spine
• Shoulder
• Forearm
• Elbow

Treatment

Many people treat first-degree burns at home. Healing time is quicker the sooner you treat your burn. Some quick and useful treatments include:

• Soaking the wound in cold water for a minimum of five minutes
• Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief
• Applying lidocaine, which is an anesthetic, to the area with aloe vera gel or cream to soothe the skin
• Using an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the burned area

Also:

• Don’t use ice as it can make the burn worse
• Don’t use cotton balls as the small fibers can stick to the burn and cause infection
• Don’t use home remedies like butter or eggs to apply to the burn, as they have not been proven to be effective.