- Remove any clothing or materials that aren’t stuck to the affected area, especially if they’re still hot, smouldering or mixed with chemicals
- Depending on the burn’s location, size and severity, hold the affected area under cool running water for up to 10-15 minutes. You can also place the injured part in a bowl or bucket of water. Applying a hydrogel, such as Burnshield hydrogel, a common standby for emergency services, will help to cool the burn site too. The goal is to reduce the heat as quickly as possible.
- You shouldn’t apply butter, egg whites or any lotions either. “When dealing with burns, supporting healing and reducing scarring are always the aims. Butter and other substances can retain heat, so they can aggravate the burn. They may also increase pain, slow healing and cause infection.”
- Apply a sterile dressing, such as Burnshield dressing, which comes in different sizes and conforms to the wound area. A product like this will also help to relieve pain, reduce skin damage and prevent infection. In order to keep the sterile dressing on the wound, cover the dressing with a bandage or even cling film .
- A towel, gauze and/or a bandage can also work – just make sure that no lint gets into the wound.
- When covering the wound, don’t try to clean it, break any blisters or peel away skin.
Gary Paul
Clinical Head – Coastal
Netcare Limited