Exclamation PointPlease call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.

Thermal Burns Treatment

Call 911 if:

For All Burns

1. Stop Burning Immediately

 

2. Remove Constrictive Clothing Immediately

Then take the following steps.

For First-Degree Burns (Affecting Top Layer of Skin)

1. Cool Burn

 

2. Protect Burn

 

3. Treat Pain

 

4. When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if:

 

5. Follow Up

 

For Second-Degree Burns (Affecting Top 2 Layers of Skin)

1. Cool Burn

 

2. Protect Burn

 

3. Prevent Shock

Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury, or it would cause discomfort:

 

4. See a Doctor

 

For Third-Degree Burns

1. Call 911

 

2. Protect Burn Area

 

3. Prevent Shock

 

Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury or it would cause discomfort:

 

4. See a Doctor

 

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on September 27, 2011