Cláudio Ferreira Coordinator LUZ 24 A small, superficial skin burn due to contact with something hot – thermal burn – is a frequent domestic accident. Matches or lighters, to steaming water or from hot food, hair dryers, irons, heaters and fireplaces or barbecues, are only some of the many objects that we can have at home and with witch we need to be careful with to avoid burns. But a burn happens, even though mild and without need medical care, it is usually painful and benefits from a few simple care measures. As a rule, burns that can be treated at home are: Burns that affect only the most superficial layer of skin or epidermis (first-degree burns) and are small. The skin of the burnt area becomes red, swollen and painful, and paler when touched. Prepare for care Remove the cause of the burn. Afterwards, remove any garments or accessories that may be in contact with or near the burnt area. Before starting to care for a burn, and even if your hands are not visibly dirty, wash them thoroughly. With plenty of water and soap, wash the entire surface of your hands well for 60 seconds, without forgetting the spaces between your fingers. Cool the burn Start by cooling the burned skin area: Use running cold water (at room temperature), or apply cold gauze pads moistened with water or saline; Do this operation for about 10 minutes or until the pain is relieved; If the burnt area is dirty, clean it carefully at the same time. Protect If there are no wounds or lesions other than redness, apply petroleum jelly or an over-the-counter burn ointment to the burned area. This will form a barrier that helps to prevent infections. A superficial burn usually does not need a dressing to cover it. However, if it is an area that you frequently touch other places or if blisters form, protect the burned area with a sterile gauze pad. For this be removed, it must not be adherent to the skin, so wet it with water and wait until you can remove it easily. Relieve pain If necessary, take an over-the-counter analgesic, eg paracetamol (whenever there is no contraindication). What not to do when treating a burn at home Do not apply ice directly to the burned area; Do not apply butter or other household fat on the burn; If blisters form in the burned area, do not break them. Keep attention Minor, localized burns usually resolve on their own without the need for medical attention. However, you should seek medical attention whenever: The burned area is extensive, larger than the palm of one hand; The burn affects the face, hands or feet, genital area or skin folds; The skin has wound, dark or yellowish and blistered or the lesion seems to get worse; You are not able to clean the dirt from the burned area; Pain does disapear after a day or does not relieve with analgesics; Have any questions. If you need to, call LUZ 24 – 217 104 424 – the Hospital da Luz clinical triage service, by phone, available 24 hours, 365 days, for adults and children. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
