Burns

To treat a burn, follow the first aid advice below as soon as possible. This will limit the amount of damage to your skin

• immediately get the person away from the heat source to stop the burning
• cool the burn with cool or lukewarm water for 10 to 30 minutes – do not use ice, iced water or any creams or greasy substances such as butter
• remove any clothing or jewellery that is near the burnt area of skin, but do not move anything that is stuck to the skin
• make sure the person keeps warm – for example by using a blanket – but take care not to rub it against the burnt area. Keeping warm will prevent hypothermia, where a person's body temperature drops below 35ºC (95ºF). This is a risk if you are cooling a large burnt area, 
• cover the burn by placing a layer of cling film over it, rather than wrapping it around a limb. A clean clear plastic bag can be used for burns on your hand.
• use painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to treat any pain. 
• Always check the manufacturer's instructions when using over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Children under 16 years of age should not be given aspirin.

You may need to apply the following first aid techniques to yourself or to another person who has been burnt.

The British Red Cross website has a video about first aid for burns.

Find out more in the video below.

Electrical burns

Electrical burns may not look serious, but they can be very damaging. Someone who has an electrical burn should seek immediate medical attention at an A&E department.

If the person has been injured by a low-voltage source (up to 220-240 volts) such as a domestic electricity supply, safely switch off the power supply or remove the person from the electrical source using a non-conductive material. This is a material that does not conduct electricity, such as a wooden stick or a wooden chair.

Do not approach a person who is connected to a high-voltage source (1,000 volts or more).

Chemical burns

Chemical burns can be very damaging and require immediate medical attention at an A&E department.

If possible, find out what chemical caused the burn and tell the healthcare professionals at A&E.

If you are helping someone else, wear appropriate protective clothing, then:

• remove any clothing on the person that has the chemical on it
• if the chemical is dry, brush it off their skin
• use running water to remove any traces of the chemical from the burnt area

Sunburn

In cases of sunburn, follow the advice below:

• If you notice any signs of sunburn, such as hot, red and painful skin, move into the shade or preferably inside.
• Take a cool bath or shower to cool down the burnt area of skin.
• Apply after-sun lotion to the affected area to moisturise, cool and soothe it. Do not use greasy or oily products.
• If you have any pain, paracetamol or ibuprofen should help relieve it. Always read the manufacturer's instructions and do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, where the temperature inside your body rises to 37-40°C (98.6-104°F) or above. Symptoms include dizziness, a rapid pulse or vomiting.

If a person with heat exhaustion is taken to a cool place quickly, given water to drink and has their clothing loosened, they should start to feel better within half an hour. If they don't, they could develop heatstroke. This is a medical emergency and you'll need to call 999 for an ambulance.

Read more about what to do if someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Depending on how serious a burn is, it may be possible to treat it at home. For minor burns, keep the burn clean and do not burst any blisters that form.

You should go to a hospital A&E department for:

• all chemical and electrical burns
• large or deep burns – any burn bigger than your hand
• full thickness burns of all sizes – these burns cause white or charred skin
• partial thickness burns on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs or genitals – these are burns that cause blisters

If someone has breathed in smoke or fumes, they should also seek medical attention. Some symptoms may be delayed and can include coughing, a sore throat, difficulty breathing or facial burns.

People who are at greater risk from the effects of burns, such as children under five years old and pregnant women, should also get medical attention after a burn or scald.

Also get medical help straight away if the person with the burn:

• has other injuries that need treating
• is going into shock – signs include cold clammy skin, sweating, rapid shallow breathing and weakness or dizziness
• is pregnant
• is over 60 years of age
• is under five years of age
• has a medical condition such as heart, lung or liver disease, or diabetes
• has a weakened immune system (the body's defence system), for example because of HIV or AIDS, or because they're having chemotherapy

The size and depth of the burn will be assessed and the affected area cleaned before a dressing is applied. In severe cases, skin graft surgery may be recommended.

 Further advice

If you need advice about a burn or scald, you can:

• call NHS 111
• go to a minor injuries unit (MIU)
• go to an NHS walk-in centre
• call or see your GP