First aid · 2–3 min

Home Burns: What to Do First

Boiling water? Cooking oil? Hot tea? An iron? Here are the first practical steps to take when a burn happens at home.

What should you do immediately?

  1. Move the person away from the heat source.
  2. Cool the burned area under cool running water for about 20 minutes.
  3. Remove rings, bracelets and other jewellery quickly when possible without forcing them, then protect the area cleanly.

Mistakes to avoid

DO NOT
  • Apply ice directly to the skin.
  • Pull off clothing stuck to the skin.
  • Apply toothpaste, butter, flour or unsuitable home remedies.
  • Puncture blisters.

When should you seek medical advice?

Medical assessment may be needed depending on the burn's depth, size, location, cause, associated symptoms and the person's age or health. If you are unsure, ask for medical advice.

When is it an emergency?

Seek prompt medical assessment for an extensive or deep burn, black, white or numb skin, or burns involving the face, hands, feet, genitals or a major joint.

Chemical or electrical burns, breathing difficulty or altered consciousness require urgent medical assessment.

This article provides general information and does not replace a medical assessment. For a serious burn, concerning symptoms or uncertainty, seek medical advice promptly.