Burns have a number of symptoms. They include redness, swelling, pain and blisters that may ooze a clear fluid when touched. It’s important to know how to treat these symptoms so you can help a loved one recover from burns or prevent them from getting worse.
The first step in treating a burn is to cool it. This can be done by running cool water over the burn or applying a cool compress to the area. This can be done at home, but you should also seek medical help for severe burns that are to the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
Minor and moderate burns usually heal on their own, but if you or someone you care for has a serious burn, call 911 right away. Some people, especially children and older adults, may have a weakened immune system or other health conditions that make them more susceptible to injury.
A burn is an emergency and requires immediate treatment to protect the person from infection, dehydration, shock and other complications that could be life-threatening. You should immediately stop the person from moving or breathing, and apply ice or cold compresses to the burn until you can get emergency help.
Inflammation is the body’s normal response to injury, but when a burn occurs, it can overreact, making the wound larger and causing serious health problems. Inflammation destroys the skin’s protective barrier and weakens the immune system, which makes it easier for bacteria to sneak in and cause infections.
It’s critical to keep the burned area clean and dry so it can heal properly. Wash the wound daily with soap and lukewarm water or an unscented lotion. If necessary, cover the wound with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment like bacitracin and change the dressing often.
Changing the dressing helps kill germs and remove dead cells that could cause infection. It also helps keep the wound moist so it can heal faster.
The best way to prevent infection is to monitor the burn for any changes that could indicate a problem, such as fever, redness and swelling. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed to ease the pain and swelling.
When you first get a burn, it can be very painful. Try to relieve the pain by laying down on a soft surface, such as the bed or couch. If the pain does not ease, use a heating pad to increase circulation to the injured area.
You can also soak the burned area in warm water or a tub of hot water for about 20 minutes to relax the muscles and reduce swelling. It is also helpful to rub the burned area gently with a clean cloth until it is soothed.
Swelling and pain from a burn can make it hard to move the burned area, so it’s vital to avoid movement until the injury is healed. Gently raise the injured part above heart level if possible and place a bandage over it to hold it in place.
