RHCG - Burns and scalds

Burns and scalds

Burns and scalds are damage to the skin caused by heat. Both are treated in the same way.

A burn is caused by dry heat – by an iron or fire, for example. A scald is caused by something wet, such as hot water or steam.

Burns can be very painful and may cause:

red or peeling skin
blisters
swelling
white or charred skin

The amount of pain you feel isn't always related to how serious the burn is. Even a very serious burn may be relatively painless.

Treating burns and scalds

To treat a burn, follow the first aid advice below:

Immediately get the person away from the heat source to stop the burning
DO cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes – DON'T use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances such as butter
Remove any clothing or jewellery that's near the burnt area of skin, including babies' nappies - but don't move anything that's stuck to the skin
Make sure the person keeps warm – by using a blanket, for example, but take care not to rub it against the burnt area
Cover the burn by placing a layer of cling film over it – a clean plastic bag could also be used for burns on your hand
Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain
If the face or eyes are burnt, sit up as much as possible, rather than lying down - this helps to reduce swelling

First Aid information for burns from the Red Cross

When to get medical attention

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

More serious burns require professional medical attention. You should go to the Emergency Department for:

all chemical and electrical burns
large or deep burns – any burn bigger than your hand
burns that cause white or charred skin – any size
burns on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs or genitals 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
facial burns

People 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.

Visit NHS Inform for more information about burns and scalds and how to prevent accidents.

Where should I get help?

If your child does not have a life or limb threatening injury, consider calling NHS 24 on 111.

You may be allocated a virtual appointment on the same day with a doctor or nurse practitioner at our Flow Navigation Hub. This may avoid the need to travel to hospital.

If after talking to you and your child, they feel you do need to be seen at an Emergency Department or Minor Injury Unit they will direct you to your nearest one.

Self Care

For wear and tear, minor trips and everything in between.

Self-care

You can treat your child's very minor illnesses and injuries at home.

Some illnesses can be treated in your own home with support and advice from the services listed when required, using the recommended medicines and getting plenty of rest.

Sound advice

Children can recover from illness quickly but also can become more poorly quickly; it is important to seek further advice if a child's condition gets worse.

More information on common childhood injuries

Information on preventing accidents and injuries

Local Pharmacist

Pharmacists are experts in many aspects of healthcare. They are the first port of call for minor ailments and can provide advice and medication (if needed) for a wide range of long term conditions and common ailments including coughs and colds.

Pharmacy First is a free service. You do not need an appointment and many pharmacies have a private consultation area.

Your pharmacist will let you know if you need further medical attention.

Visit a pharmacy if your child is ill, but does not need to see a GP.
Remember that if your child's condition gets worse, you should seek further medical advice immediately.
Help your child to understand - watch this video with them about going to the pharmacy.

NHS 24

Sound advice

Use NHS 24 if you are unsure what to do next, have any questions about a condition or treatment or require information about local health services.

GP (General Practitioner)

GPs assess, treat and manage a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical procedures. Your GP will arrange a referral to a hospital specialist should you need it.

Sound advice

You have a choice of service:

Doctors/GPs can treat many illnesses that do not warrant a visit to the Emergency Department.
For minor injuries such as cuts that need stitches, broken bones, sprains and minor burns in children aged 5 or over, go to one of our Minor Injury Units (MIU).
Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about visiting the GP or going to a minor injury unit

Emergency Department

Emergency departments provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. If you’re not sure it’s an emergency, call 111 for advice.

Sound advice

Many visits to the Emergency Department and calls to 999 could be resolved by any other NHS services.
If your child's condition is not critical, choose another service to get them the best possible treatment.
Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about going to the Emergency Department or riding in an ambulance

Prevention

The Child Accident Prevention Trust website also has great advice and top tips on how to make your home safer to prevent burns and scalds.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 04 October 2021

Next review: 04 October 2024

Author(s): NHS Inform

Approved By: Dr Ciara Carrick