First aid for minor burns

Minor burns are incidences we come across rather often and not taking certain measures can make a minor burn a serious issue or leave a permanent scar for the rest of your life. Thus, following tips would be useful in avoiding a possible complication or else to reduce the scar tissues that would form following such a burn.

• Allow cool water to flow over the burned area for at least 15 - 20 minutes till the discomfort is minimized.
• Do not apply butter or oil at the burn site as it can retain the heat which further aggravate the condition.
• Keep the burned area clean and do not touch the area unnecessarily till it is healed.
• Take an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen as and when required according to appropriate dosing.
• In case there is a redness or oozing of pus, an antibiotic cream would have to be applied.
• A soothing cream such as aloe vera could be applied to relieve the discomfort in a minor burn.
• If the burned area becomes swollen and tender, keep it elevated as much as possible and seek medical advise on relieving the symptoms.

In case you feel the burn can be something more than a minor burn such as in the case of burns affecting a larger area, or even a moderate area on the face, genitalia, hands and feet; Do not try and manage it by yourself but seek urgent medical advice or call 9-1-1 if appropriate.