Treatment for First Degree Burns

Immediate First Aid Steps

Cool the burn immediately with clean running water for 5-20 minutes to limit burn progression and reduce pain, as recommended by the American Heart Association 1, 2
If clean running water is not available, superficial burns with intact skin may be cooled with ice wrapped in cloth, according to the American Heart Association 1, 3
Monitor children for signs of hypothermia during cooling, especially preadolescent children, as advised by the American Heart Association 1, 2
Remove jewelry before swelling occurs to prevent constriction and vascular ischemia, as recommended by the American Heart Association 4

Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs are recommended for burn pain, according to the American Heart Association 3, 4

After cooling, loosely cover the burn with a clean cloth or non-adherent dry dressing, as recommended by the American Heart Association 3, 4
For small burns being managed at home, it may be reasonable to apply petrolatum, petrolatum-based antibiotic ointment, honey, or aloe vera, according to the American Heart Association 3, 4

First-degree burns generally heal without scarring and have low risk of infection, as stated by the American Heart Association 2
Seek medical attention for burns involving the face, hands, feet, or genitals, as recommended by the American Heart Association 3, 4
Burns covering >10% body surface area in adults or >5% in children require medical evaluation, according to the American Heart Association 3, 4
Signs of inhalation injury (soot around nose/mouth, difficulty breathing, singed nasal hairs) require immediate medical attention, as advised by the American Heart Association 3, 4