Minor burn

Overview

Minor burns are first-degree burns anywhere on the body, or second-degree burns less than 2 to 3 inches wide. A first-degree burn affects only the top layer of skin, which turns red and painful. A second-degree burn affects the top two layers; the skin looks wet and may blister.

Most minor burns can be cared for at home. Burns that are larger, deeper, or on the hands, feet, face, groin, or major joints need medical care.

Symptoms

How a burn looks depends on how deep it is.

• Burn on the skin that's red and painful
• Mild swelling
• Skin that peels as it heals

Less common

• Blisters, and skin that looks wet or moist (second-degree)
• Itching as it heals

How it usually goes

• First minutes: Cool the burn with running water right away.
• Days 1–3: Pain eases; blisters may form.
• Up to 3 weeks: Minor burns heal. Deeper burns are more likely to scar.

When to get medical care

Causes

Minor burns are usually caused by heat, like hot liquids, steam, stoves, irons, curling irons, or the sun. Chemicals and electricity can also burn the skin and need special care.

Most burns happen at home, often in the kitchen.

Who is more likely to get it

• Young children, from hot liquids and stoves
• Older adults
• Cooking and using hot appliances

Possible complications

• Infection: Pain, redness, pus, fever, or red streaks
• Scarring: More likely with deeper burns
• Serious burn: Deep, large, or on the face, hands, or genitals

Diagnosis

You can usually tell how bad a burn is by looking at it. If you're not sure, treat it as a major burn and get care.

Questions you may be asked

• What caused the burn, and when
• How big it is and where it is
• Whether it blistered, and whether the skin looks white or charred
• When you last had a tetanus shot

The exam

A healthcare professional will look at how deep and how large the burn is and check for signs of infection.

Treatment

Cool the burn right away, then keep it clean and protected while it heals.

Self-care

• Cool the burn under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10 to 15 minutes, or use a cool, wet cloth
• Remove rings and tight items before swelling starts
• Don't use ice, butter, or oils; ice can hurt the skin more
• Apply petroleum jelly or aloe vera a few times a day
• Don't pop blisters; cover broken blisters or irritated skin with a nonstick bandage
• Protect the healing skin from the sun

Medicines

Pain relievers and simple skin care help most minor burns.

Medicine names link to drug information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional.

Get care if the burn shows signs of infection or still hurts after 48 hours. Larger or deeper burns may need special dressings or burn-center care.

How it compares

Prevention

Simple steps prevent most burns at home:

• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove, and keep children away from the stove
• Test bath water before putting a child in
• Set your water heater to 120°F or lower
• Keep hot drinks away from the edge of tables and away from children
• Use sunscreen and protective clothing

Which doctor treats this

• Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
• Large or deep burns are best treated at a burn center.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can go to school or work. Keep the wound clean and covered.
• Avoid pools and hot tubs until the skin heals.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Babies and children: Burns in young children should be seen by a healthcare professional. Hot liquids are a common cause. A burn that doesn't match how it happened needs care right away.
• Older adults: Skin is thinner and burns can be deeper. Get burns checked sooner.
• People with diabetes: Burns, especially on the feet, can heal slowly and get infected. See a healthcare professional.

Outlook

Most minor burns heal within 3 weeks without lasting problems. Deeper burns are more likely to scar.

Myths and facts

Getting ready for your visit

A little preparation helps.

What to bring

• What caused the burn and when
• What first aid you gave
• When you last had a tetanus shot

Questions to ask

• Is this burn minor or does it need more care?
• How should I dress it, and how often?
• Do I need a tetanus booster?
• How can I lower the chance of a scar?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Minor burn