How To Treat Minor Burns Or Scalds 

Burns are tissue damage from hot liquids, the sun, flames, chemicals, electricity, steam and many other causes. Major burns need emergency medical help, whereas minor burns and scalds can usually be treated with first aid.

Here are 4 simple steps you must follow to treat any minor burns or scalds and prevent further damage to the skin. 

This is how to treat minor burns or scalds:

1. Cool the burn
2. Apply burn dressing
3. Cover the burn
4. Take pain relief (if necessary)

1. Cool The Burn

Immediately stop the burning process by removing the heat and take off clothing if necessary (as clothing retains heat). Immerse the burn in cool tap water for about 20 minutes or until the pain lessens. If the burn is on the face, apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases.

It’s important to note that iced water should not be used as intense vasoconstriction can cause burn progression. 

2. Apply Burn Dressing

The primary step of first aid is to halt the burning process, cool the burn, provide pain relief and protect the wound. 

Burn Gel

Apply dressing to the affected area, such as BurnSoothe® Burn Gel, to provide instant burn relief and protection. These gels work to promote healing, moisten, soothe and help prevent further tissue damage.

Avoid using topical creams at this stage as these may interfere with subsequent assessment of the burn. 

BurnSoothe Burn Dressing

BurnSoothe dressings are a foam based dressing which provide instant burn relief and protection to the burn. This sterile trauma hydrogel burn dressing relieves pain, cools & comforts and helps prevent contamination and is non-adherent. 

BurnSoothe Burn Gel Bottle 125ml

The BurnSooth Burn Gel works minimises trauma and skin damage with fast & effective burn relief treatment.

Gel Spray

In some minor burn cases, a dressing may not always be necessary. Burn gel spray offers the perfect solution where dressing is not required, with the added benefit of a ‘non-touch’ application. 

Discover our complete range of burn dressings here, including products from BurnSoothe, BurnShield, CoolTherm and Jelonet. 

3. Cover The Burn

Once you have applied the dressing, you will need to cover it with a clean conforming bandage. This will keep air off the area, reduce pain and protect blistered skin. 

Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin and secure it with micropore tape or a safety pin. 

Conforming Bandage 10cm

These bandages are soft, lightweight, stretchy, comfortable to wear and excellent for securing dressings. 

4. Take Pain Relief (if necessary)

Treat the pain and reduce inflammation with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions when using over-the-counter medication. 

Burns First Aid In The Workplace

Burns are one of the most serious types of injuries that can occur in the workplace, and even in workplaces where fire isn’t a huge risk, it’s crucial that you’re prepared to treat a victim with a high quality Burn Care Kit.

Here you can find the essential products that must be included in your first aid kit. Alternatively,  you can get a pre-made first aid kit for burns that includes everything you need for your workplace. At Morsafe, we stock an extensive range including the choice of small, medium and large sizes and the choice of kit bag/ box styles. 

For all of your first aid needs, take a look at Morsafe’s extensive range of first aid products, which ranges from pre-made first aid products to individual items. 

Written by Kate Jones for Morsafe Supplies.