First Aid

How to Treat a 1st Degree Burn

To treat a first-degree burn, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

Cool the burn. Immediately immerse the burn in cool tap water or apply cold, wet compresses. Do this for about 10 minutes or until the pain subsides.
Apply petroleum jelly two to three times daily. Do not apply ointments, toothpaste or butter to the burn, as these may cause an infection. Do not apply topical antibiotics.
Cover the burn with a nonstick, sterile bandage. If blisters form, let them heal on their own while keeping the area covered. Do not pop the blisters.
Consider taking over-the-counter pain medication. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation.
Protect the area from the sun. Once the burn heals, protect the area from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing or applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This will help minimize scarring, as the redness from a burn sometimes persists for weeks, especially in those with darker skin tones.

Steps:

Firstly, clean your hands – Apply antibacterial gel or soap and water to kill the germs on your hands.
Secondly, clean your blister – If your blister is mucky with debris of any sort (dirt, drying blister fluid or blood) flush it with saline (salt water); or rinse it with soapy water or just water if that’s all you’ve got. This will physically remove some of the germs from your blister.
Thirdly, disinfect your blister – Use and antiseptic or antibiotic to kill the remaining germs on your blister.
Finally, cover your blister – This will keep any new germs out. It will provide protection to your blister, and provide a nice healing environment for your blister. However, don’t just use tape, because it may well rip your roof off. If in doubt, use an island dressing.