BURNS – Use of First Aid Kits
First degree: A first-degree burn is red, painful, can be slightly swollen and turns white to the touch.
What to use: Antibiotic cream, sterile gauze or bandage.
What to do: Run cool water over burn for five minutes. Use an aloe cream or gel or antibiotic ointment to keep the area moisturized. Protect the wound with sterile gauze or a bandage.
What not to do: Don’t put ice or butter or oil on a burn.
When to get help: If a first-degree burn is greater than 2-3 inches in diameter, on the face, hands, genitals or over major joints, contact a health care provider.
Second degree: A second-degree burn is deeper than a first-degree burn and more painful. It will likely blister, appear blotchy and be swollen.
What to use: Cool, wet bandage or cloth, antibiotic ointment, burn dressing.
What to do: Run cool water over the burn for 15 minutes. Wrap in a cool, clean wet cloth. If necessary, call a doctor or go to the emergency room. Wash the wound daily, protect it with an antibiotic ointment (or prescribed medication) and cover it with a burn dressing that won’t stick to the injury. Monitor the wound for signs of infection such as increased swelling, pain and drainage that is a milky color.
What not to do: Do not break blisters or use ice.
When to get help: If a second-degree burn is greater than 2-3 inches in diameter, on the face, hands, genitals or over major joints, contact a health care provider immediately.
Third degree: A third-degree burn involves all of the layers of the skin. It appears white or charred and, due to nerve damage, might not be painful.
What to use: Cool, wet bandage or cloth.
What to do: Call 911, particularly if the burn is near the face, which increases the risk of complications from smoke inhalation that may have occurred. If the burn is small, go to the emergency room. Put a cool, wet cloth over the wound. Raise the wounded area above the heart if possible.
What not to do: Do not remove clothing or fabric from the wound. Do not run under running water, apply ice or antibacterial ointment.
When to get help: Get immediate medical attention. Follow-up care will likely be performed in the hospital or by home-care specialists.
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