First Aid Treatment for Burns from Hot Metal Contact

Initial Assessment and Management

The American Heart Association recommends immediately cooling the burn with clean running water for 5-20 minutes to limit tissue damage and reduce pain 1, 3
Remove any jewelry from the affected area before swelling occurs to prevent constriction and vascular ischemia 3
Monitor children closely for signs of hypothermia during cooling, especially with larger burns 1, 4
If clean running water is not available, cooling superficial burns using ice wrapped in cloth may be reasonable 1, 5

Superficial burns only affect the epidermis, generally heal without scarring, and have low infection risk 1
After cooling, it's reasonable to administer over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs 2, 4
For small burns being managed at home, apply petrolatum, petrolatum-based antibiotic ointment, honey, or aloe vera 2
Cover with a clean, non-adherent dressing 2, 4

Partial-thickness burns involve destruction of the epidermis and injury to deeper layers 1
After cooling, loosely cover with a clean cloth or non-adherent dry dressing 2, 4
Seek medical attention if the burn involves the face, hands, feet, or genitalia 1
Seek medical attention if the burn covers more than 10% body surface area (5% in children) 3
Seek medical attention if the burn shows signs of infection 1

All full-thickness burns require immediate medical attention 1
After cooling, cover with a clean, dry, non-adherent dressing while awaiting medical care 2, 4

Do not apply ice directly to burns as this can cause further tissue damage 4
Do not apply butter, oil, or other home remedies to burns 6, 4
Do not delay seeking medical attention for burns with blistering or broken skin 6
Do not delay seeking medical attention for burns causing difficulty breathing 1
Do not break blisters, as this increases infection risk 4

Seek immediate medical care for burns that show signs of inhalation injury (soot around nose/mouth, difficulty breathing) 1
Seek immediate medical care for burns that involve the face, hands, feet, or genitals 1
Seek immediate medical care for partial-thickness burns that cover >10% body surface area (>5% in children) 3
Seek immediate medical care for full-thickness (third-degree) burns 1
Seek immediate medical care for burns that appear infected or are very painful 1, 3, 4