You reached into the oven and brushed the rack. You grabbed a hot curling iron without thinking. Or maybe your child knocked over a fresh cup of coffee. Burn injuries can happen in an instant and often right at home.
Even when the burn seems small, knowing how to care for it can make a big difference in healing, comfort and preventing infection.
“Burns are common injuries that can happen unexpectedly, especially in busy household environments,” said Lourdes Castañon, MD, FACS, director of the burn program at Banner University Medicine. “Knowing how to respond promptly and appropriately can make a big difference in healing and preventing complications.”
We spoke with Dr. Castañon about what to do after a burn, how to treat it safely at home, when to seek medical care and things you can do to prevent future injuries.
First things first: Cool the burn (but not with ice)
Whether it’s hot water, a sunburn, or touching a hot object, the first step is always the same: Stop the burn and cool the affected area.
Here’s what to do:
- Move away from the source: Take yourself or your child out of the hot environment (for example, turn off the stove or get out of the sun).
- Cool the burn: “Run the burn under cool running water (not cold or icy) for 10 to 20 minutes,” Dr. Castañon said. “This helps lower skin temperature, reduce swelling and ease pain.” Use a wet cloth if no running water is available.
- Remove tight items: “Carefully take off any jewelry, belts or tight clothing near the burn before the skin swells,” Dr. Castañon said.
- Gently clean: Wash the area with mild soap and water. Skip harsh scrubbing or alcohol-based cleaners.
- Cover the burn: “Use a clean cloth or non-stick dressing to protect the area,” Dr. Castañon said.
- Manage pain: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate discomfort and swelling.
Home burn care: What helps (and what hurts)
You can safely treat many minor burns at home. This includes first-degree burns (like mild sunburns or small red patches) and some minor second-degree burns (those with blisters but not deep tissue damage).
What to do at home:
- Keep it clean and dry: Gently wash once or twice a day, then pat dry (avoid rubbing).
- Use ointments wisely: “Use OTC topical antibiotics or petroleum jelly, but avoid ointments with fragrances, dyes or harsh chemicals,” Dr. Castañon said. For sunburns, you can use soothing lotions like aloe vera.
- Change bandages as needed: Keep the area covered and clean with a non-stick bandage. If it sticks, soak it with water before removing.
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated supports your body’s healing process.
- Watch closely: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness, pus or increased pain.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Avoid ice, butter or oil: “Some home remedies do more harm than good,” Dr. Castañon said. “People often apply butter or ice to burns, but these slow healing or even cause more damage.”
- Don’t pop blisters: Blisters protect healing skin. “Breaking them increases the risk of infection,” Dr. Castañon said. Let them break naturally.
- Ignoring warning signs: If the pain or burn worsens or the area of redness grows, seek medical attention.
When to get medical help
Not all burns can (or should) be treated at home. But how do you know when to go to the urgent care or the emergency room (ER)?
Go to the urgent care or the ER if:
- The burn is larger than three inches across
- It’s on the face, hands, feet, genitals (private parts) or joints
- The skin is white, leathery or charred (signs of a deep burn)
- There are blisters on a large area, or blisters that look yellow or ooze
- The pain is severe or gets worse over time
- There are signs of infection: fever, pus, increased redness, swelling or warmth
- If it’s a chemical burn, an electrical burn or smoke inhalation
“Prompt medical care is crucial when burns are large, deep or located in sensitive areas,” Dr. Castañon said. “We can help with wound care, pain relief and protect against long-term complications.”
Special considerations for kids and older adults
Children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive, which means they’re at higher risk for severe burns, even from short exposures. Older adults may experience slower healing or other health issues that increase the risk of burns becoming more severe.
If a child or older adult in your home gets burned, don’t hesitate to call their provider or visit urgent care, even for small burns.
Burn prevention starts at home
Burns happen fast. But many can be prevented with a few simple changes around your home. Here are some easy ways to keep your family safer:
In the kitchen
- Use back burners when possible
- Turn pot handles inward so little hands can’t reach
- Never hold a child while cooking (even in a front carrier)
- Test the temperatures of food and drink before serving to young children
Around the house
- Set your water heater to no higher than 120°F (49°C) to avoid scald burns
- Avoid tablecloths that little children can pull off
- Use childproof knobs for stoves and hot appliances and covers for outlets
- Keep hot drinks and curling irons out of reach
- Install smoke detectors in bedrooms and hallways and check them regularly
- Keep a first aid kit on hand
Teach safety
- Discuss the difference between hot and cold with your children
- Let them help in the kitchen with safe, supervised tasks
- Show them how to stop, drop and roll in case of a fire
Bottom line
Burn injuries, even minor ones, require quick care and first aid to promote healing and prevent complications. Start by cooling the burn, keeping it clean and protecting the skin as it heals. But don’t guess if you’re unsure. Deep burns, burns on sensitive areas or signs of infection need medical attention.
If you need support, Banner Health is here to help. Whether you need advice, wound care or help managing pain, our urgent and primary care teams are here to support your recovery.
