Superficial Burn

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A superficial burn, or first-degree burn, is when the outer layer of skin has been burned.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen: These medicines are given to decrease your pain and swelling. They can be bought without a doctor's order. These medicines can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. Ask how much medicine is safe to take, and how often to take it.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

First aid for a superficial burn:

• Remove clothing and jewelry immediately.
  
  
• Flush liquid chemicals from your skin completely with large amounts of cool running water. Do not splash the chemicals into your eyes.
  
  
• Brush dry chemicals off your skin if large amounts of water are not available. Small amounts of water will activate some chemicals, such as lime, and cause more damage. Do not splash the chemicals into your eyes.
  
  
• Do not use ice or ice water on the affected area. This may cause more damage to the skin.
  
  
• Use an ointment or skin cream, such as aloe vera cream to soothe the skin. Do not put any butter, petroleum jelly, or other home remedies on skin burned by a chemical.
  
  
• Do not put a bandage on the burn until you are told to do so by your caregiver.

Prevent superficial burns:

• Do not leave cups, mugs, or bowls containing hot liquids at the edge of a table. Keep pot handles turned away from the stove front.
  
  
• Do not leave a lit cigarette. Discard it properly. Keep cigarette lighters and matches in a safe place where children cannot reach them.
  
  
• Keep your water heater setting to low or medium.
  
  
• Wear sunscreen that has a sun protectant factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The sunscreen should also have ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. Follow the directions on the label when you use sunscreen. Put on more sunscreen if you are in the sun for more than an hour. Reapply sunscreen often if you go swimming or are sweating.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have increased redness, numbness, or swelling in the superficial burn area.
  
  
• You have red streaks or blisters spreading outward from the superficial burn.
  
  
• Your pain is not relieved, or is getting worse even after taking medicine.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Superficial Burn (Aftercare Instructions)