Injuries

Burns and Scalds

Cool a burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, remove tight items before swelling, and cover loosely with cling film — do not use ice or creams.

When to call 999. Call 999 for large or deep burns, burns to the face, hands, feet, genitals or across a joint, chemical or electrical burns, any burn that goes all the way round a limb, or if the person is struggling to breathe (possible airway burn).

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Get the person away from the source of the burn and stop the burning — smother flames, or remove them from hot water or chemicals.
  2. Cool the burn under cool or lukewarm running water for at least 20 minutes as soon as possible. Do not use ice, iced water or creams.
  3. While cooling, remove any clothing or jewellery near the burn unless it is stuck to the skin.
  4. After cooling, cover the burn loosely with cling film (laid over, not wrapped tightly) or a clean, non-fluffy cloth or plastic bag.
  5. Keep the person warm overall, as cooling a large burn can lower body temperature.
  6. Take pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed, and get medical advice for anything more than a small, superficial burn.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not use ice, butter, toothpaste, creams or ointments, do not burst any blisters, and do not remove clothing that is stuck to the burn. Do not wrap cling film tightly around a limb, as swelling can cut off circulation.

Afterwards and while you wait

Keep the burn clean and covered, and watch for signs of infection — increasing pain, redness, swelling, pus or fever. Even small burns to children, or burns that blister, should be checked. Seek urgent care if a burn was chemical, electrical, or larger than the person’s hand.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Burns and Scalds: frequently asked questions

How long should I cool a burn?

Cool it under running water for at least 20 minutes, ideally starting within 20 minutes of the injury. This limits the damage and eases pain, even if some time has already passed.

Should I put cream or ice on a burn?

No. Ice can worsen the injury and creams, butter or toothpaste trap heat and raise infection risk. Cool running water then a loose cover such as cling film is the safe approach.

Related

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance
  • Resuscitation Council UK (where relevant)

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