A burn is damage caused by dry heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation or friction. A scald is caused by hot liquid or steam. Prompt first aid can limit skin damage and reduce pain.
Immediate first aid
- Move away from the source of heat and make the area safe.
- Remove clothing and jewellery near the burn, but do not pull away anything stuck to the skin.
- Cool the burn under cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible. Keep the rest of the person warm.
- After cooling, loosely cover the area with a clean non-fluffy dressing or a layer of household cling film laid over the burn. Do not wrap it tightly around a limb.
Do not use ice, butter, toothpaste, oils or creams on a fresh burn. Do not burst blisters. Pain relief may be appropriate, but check the label and ask a pharmacist if the medicine is suitable.
When hospital assessment is needed
Get emergency medical care for a burn that is large, deep, white, charred or leathery, or affects the face, neck, hands, feet, genitals, buttocks or a major joint. Chemical and electrical burns require urgent assessment, even when the skin injury appears small. Breathing difficulty, facial burns, soot around the mouth or nose, or exposure to smoke in an enclosed space may indicate an inhalation injury.
Babies, older adults and people with serious health conditions may need assessment for smaller burns. Seek advice if a burn becomes increasingly painful, red, swollen, smelly or starts producing pus, or if fever develops.
Chemical burns
Protect yourself from the chemical. Remove contaminated clothing if it is safe and brush off dry chemicals before using water. Rinse the affected skin with plenty of running water and contact emergency services or a poison information service for specific instructions.
Sources
Reviewed: 28 August 2026