Make sure your family members know how to treat a minor burn at home. These steps from the Mayo Clinic are easy to follow:
• Cool the burn to help soothe the pain. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain eases. Or apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water.
• Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area. Try to do this quickly and gently, before the area swells.
• Don’t break small blisters (no bigger than your little fingernail). If blisters break, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a nonstick gauze bandage.
• Apply moisturizer or aloe vera lotion or gel, which may provide relief in some cases.
• If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen .
• Ask your doctor whether you need a tetanus shot. Make sure that your tetanus booster is up to date. Doctors recommend getting a tetanus shot at least every 10 years.
See your doctor if you develop large blisters. These are best removed, as they rarely will remain intact on their own. Also seek medical help if the burn covers a large area of the body or if you notice signs of infection, such as oozing from the wound and increased pain, redness and swelling.
—Source: Mayo Clinic
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, August 2016
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