Quick Scoop

If someone has a burn, cool it under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible , then remove rings or tight clothing near the area and cover it loosely with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Do not use ice, butter, oils, or break blisters.

Do right away

  1. Stop the burning process and move away from the heat source.
  1. Cool the burn with cool, running water for 10–20 minutes; the NHS recommends 20 minutes.
  1. Remove jewelry or tight items near the burn before swelling starts.
  1. Cover the area loosely with clean gauze or a cloth.
  1. Take pain relief if needed , such as acetaminophen/paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the label.

Do not do

  • Do not apply ice.
  • Do not use butter, oils, ointments, or greasy creams right away.
  • Do not pop blisters.

Get medical help if

  • The burn is larger than your hand , very deep, or on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over a major joint.
  • Pain is severe, the skin looks white, charred, or leathery, or there are signs of shock.
  • A fever develops or the burn starts oozing or looking infected.

If you want, I can also turn this into a short first-aid checklist or a family-friendly version.