How to Treat Minor Burns at Home

A burn is skin tissue damage that can be caused by a number of different reasons, such as scalding from hot water, overexposure to the sun or other radiation, or contact with flames, chemicals, or electricity.¹ First-degree burns affect the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and are considered minor. Most minor burns will heal by themselves. Successful treatment at home usually relieves the symptoms and promotes healing of the affected area of skin.^1,2

Dermoplast can help for however minor burns happen – from open flames, to cooking.

Please see a doctor if you have a more serious burn such as one that covers a large area of the body, is deep, has been caused by chemicals or electricity or is a burn in your airway that causes you to have any difficulty breathing.¹ 

How To Care For a Minor Burn:

Burn treatment depends on the type of burn. For minor burns, treatment is focused on cooling the skin and then treating it with products that promote healing, prevent infection, and relieve pain.³

COOL THE BURN

Hold the burned area under cool, not cold, running water or apply a cool, wet cloth until the pain eases.³

ALLOW FOR SWELLING

Gently try to remove rings or other tight items quickly from the burned area before it swells. Inflammation is a natural response to injury.^3,4

PROTECT BLISTERS

Blisters may seem bad, but these fluid-filled pockets are protecting against infection. If a blister breaks, clean the area with water. Using mild soap is also acceptable. Then gently apply an antibiotic ointment or use Dermoplast First Aid spray to protect the area from getting infected. If a rash appears using any product, stop using it immediately.³

SOOTHE THE SKIN

After the burn cools down, apply a lotion that contains aloe vera or a moisturizer. This helps to prevent drying out. You can also apply Dermoplast Pain, Burn & Itch Spray or Dermoplast® First Aid Spray for fast, cooling relief from minor burns. Formulated with aloe, lanolin, benzocaine and menthol, it moisturizes and cools the skin as it heals. Use as directed.³

BANDAGE THE BURN

After applying a moisturizer, consider covering the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, which helps to protect the skin and reduce pain. Be sure to wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin.¹

RELIEVE THE PAIN

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can also provide temporary relief during the healing process. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain and swelling. Use as directed. Another option is applying a Dermoplast spray which offers the maximum OTC strength of Benzocaine to numb the pain, providing comforting relief of minor burns. The no-touch application helps minimize discomfort and helps soothe the skin as it heals. Use as directed.³

Symptoms to Watch for When Treating At Home”

These suggestions should bring relief and help the burned skin heal, however, if during the healing process if any of the following occur, talk with a doctor:

• Large blisters appear
• Pain gets worse
• Signs of infection, such as oozing from the wound, redness, and swelling develop
• New symptoms develop
• The symptoms get worse and happen more often
• The burn doesn’t heal after several weeks¹

References:

1. Burns. Mayo Clinic Website. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/symptoms-causes/syc-20370539. Accessed March 2019.
2. Burns. Cleveland Clinic Website. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12063-burns. Updated on August 31, 2017. Accessed March 2019
3. Burns: first aid. Mayo Clinic Website. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-burns/basics/art-20056649. Published January 30, 2018. Accessed March 2019.
4. Wedro B. First aid for burns. MedicineNet.com Website. https://www.medicinenet.com/burns/article.htm Accessed March 2019. Medically reviewed on August 25, 2016. Accessed March 2019.