Don’t ice a burn!
Using something too cold can cause more damage to the skin’s tissues.
you could use petroleum jelly or aloe vera to help cool a burn and ease the pain.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Topical antibiotic ointments are okay if there’s no allergy to the product.
Don’t use creams, lotions, or oils.
Ignore the myths about applying butter or toothpastethey don’t help.
In fact, they can trap heat inside the skin, and they invite infection.
Then apply a sterile bandage that won’t stick to the burn.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help ease the discomfort.
The blisters are part of the healing process, and opening them can lead to infection.
That can keep the damage from becoming worse.
OTC anti-inflammatories include Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen).
you could also elevate the area above the heart to lower inflammation.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic cream such as silver sulfadiazine to prevent infection while you heal.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns, also called full-thickness burns, don’t always look the same.
Symptoms may include:
Intravenous (IV) fluids are often given to patients who have third-degree burns.
This combatsdehydrationand shock and stabilizes the person.
Eventually,skin graftstaken from undamaged areas of the body may be used to replace the burned skin.
Severe burns can result in long hospital stays.
Multiple procedures may be required.
Similar to third-degree burns, there is no feeling in the area because nerve endings are destroyed.
Fourth-degree burns can be life-threatening and may require amputation due to the severity of the burn injury.
Fourth-degree burns often result in permanent disability and may require lengthy rehabilitation.
Signs of Infection
Get prompt medical treatment if your burn becomes infected.
Some second-degree burns can be treated at urgent care instead of the emergency room.
If you have any doubt about the severity, go to the hospital.
First-degree burns are not serious and can be treated at home.
Second-degree burns are considered serious and require medical attention.
Third and fourth-degree burns are considered a medical emergency.
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Burn Survivor Resource Community.Fourth degree burns.
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