First Aid for Burns

How do I treat a burn at home?

Be careful when applying first aid to treat a serious burn to avoid causing further damage. When a burn occurs, it is natural to attempt to treat it immediately. However, some first aid decisions can actually harm the victim and complicate the burn injury. Here’s what to do:

A thumb dialing 911 on their smartphone

Call 911 immediately if:

  • It is a severe or extensive burn.
  • It is a chemical or electrical burn.
  • You see signs of shock, such as pale and clammy skin.
  • Airway burn has occurred.
Four wooden blocks that spell out DON'T

First aid tips for serious burns

  • Do not apply ointment, butter, ice, medications, fluffy cotton, adhesive bandages, cream, or oil spray. These can interfere with the healing process.
  • Do not allow the burn to become contaminated. Avoid coughing or breathing on the burn.
  • Do not touch or peel blistered and dead skin.
  • Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink if they have a severe burn.
  • Do not immerse a severe burn in cold water or apply cold compresses. This can cause shock.
  • Do not place a pillow under a victim’s head because this could block the flow of air into the lungs.
  • For chemical burns, wash the surface of the wound with large amounts of water to remove the damaging substance.
  • Contact Miami Burn Center at 305-585-BURN (2876).
A man washes a burn on his hand up to the elbows under the tap

Treatment of minor burns

  • Run cool water, not ice water, over the areas where the skin is unbroken.
  • Soak the burned skin in cool water. Keep the burn under water for at least five minutes.
  • Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth and protect it from pressure and friction.
  • Use over-the-counter medications to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.
  • Minor burns usually heal without more treatment.

Support Groups

Call 911 immediately if:

  • It is a severe or extensive burn.
  • It is a chemical or electrical burn.
  • You see signs of shock, such as pale and clammy skin.
  • Airway burn has occurred.

First aid tips for serious burns

  • Do not apply ointment, butter, ice, medications, fluffy cotton, adhesive bandages, cream, or oil spray. These can interfere with the healing process.
  • Do not allow the burn to become contaminated. Avoid coughing or breathing on the burn.
  • Do not touch or peel blistered and dead skin.
  • Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink if they have a severe burn.
  • Do not immerse a severe burn in cold water or apply cold compresses. This can cause shock.
  • Do not place a pillow under a victim’s head because this could block the flow of air into the lungs.
  • For chemical burns, wash the surface of the wound with large amounts of water to remove the damaging substance.
  • Contact Miami Burn Center at 305-585-BURN (2876).

Treatment of minor burns

  • Run cool water, not ice water, over the areas where the skin is unbroken.
  • Soak the burned skin in cool water. Keep the burn under water for at least five minutes.
  • Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth and protect it from pressure and friction.
  • Use over-the-counter medications to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.
  • Minor burns usually heal without more treatment.

Been burned? If you’re not calling 911, call 305-585-BURN – our 24-hour hotline to a burn specialist.