HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
All burns need immediate first aid.
There are 2 types of minor burns.
Erythema or epidermal burn (redness). The skin is dry and red, but without blisters, and will hurt when you touch it. Healing takes around 7 days. It usually heals without scarring.
Superficial partial thickness or superficial dermal burn (first degree burn). The skin often has blisters. It will look pink and moist and be painful. Healing may take 10 days to 3 weeks. Burns that take longer to heal may leave scars.
You can manage most minor burns at home.
Use non-stick dressings against the burn to keep it moist and clean. If a burn dries out and forms a scab, it takes longer to heal.
Burns can weep. This is normal, but you may need a second padded dressing that you change regularly to keep the outside of the dressings next to the burn dry. This helps to stop the wound from becoming infected.
Do not burst your blisters. This can increase the risk of an infection.
Keep the burned area raised. This can reduce swelling and help with pain and healing.
Take the burned person to a doctor if:
Your scar will be very sensitive to the sun for at least a year. You should cover it with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or with UV protective clothing at all times.
You will need to moisturise the skin at least twice a day to stop it from becoming dry and itchy. If the scar feels like it is becoming dry, tight or itchy, moisturise it again. Use any non-perfumed moisturiser that you know you are not sensitive to. It does not need to be an expensive product. If your scar continues itching, tell your general practice team.
You can swim once your wounds have completely healed. Protect your wound from the sun if you are swimming outside. Once you have finished swimming, rinse off any chlorinated or salty water and thoroughly moisturise your skin again.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
News, education and support for New Zealand burn victims and their families.
On the next page: Major burns
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created October 2024.
Review key: HIBUR-30143