Treatment of superficial burns and scalds

• Ensure the area is safe, particularly from the source that created the burn or scald
• Wear disposable gloves
• Cool the burn with cool or cold running tap water for at least 20 minutes
• If it’s possible, remove any watches or jewellery around the affected area 
• Cover the burn with a suitable sterile dressing that is not fluffy. You can cover it with cling film if you have no appropriate dressing
• Treat the casualty for shock if they show symptoms
• Monitor their condition throughout and call for an ambulance if it deteriorates
• Remove them to hospital if you consider it appropriate

You must not:

• Apply any form of cream, ointment or fat to the affected area
• Burst any blister that may form
• Apply any form of adhesive dressing
• Remove anything that is stuck to the affected area

NB: The biggest risk associated with bursting blisters is infection

You must send them to hospital:

• If the burns affect the hands, feet, face or genital areas
• If the burns extend around a limb
• For all superficial burns that represent 5% of the body’s surface
• For burns with a mixed pattern of depth
• If the casualty is a child under ten years of age