Minor Burns and Scalds

Every year approximately 47,000* UK children, who are more likely to be pre-school age, are admitted to hospital with burns or scalds of varying severity.

Worse still, most of them are entirely preventable. So it’s worth spending a few hours checking your kitchen, bathroom and the rest of the home for obvious dangers and doing what you can to reduce them.

If the worst happens it’s important you know what steps to take to keep the pain, distress and damage to a minimum.

The difference between a burn and a scald is in the source of the injury: Burns are the result of ‘dry heat’, from a fire or cooker ring for instance, while scalds are caused by hot liquids like cooking fat or boiling water.

The first aid procedure for both, however, is broadly the same.

What to do

  • Before applying first aid, make sure your hands are clean and germ-free. A pack of Savlon Antiseptic Wipes will make it quick and easy
  • Run the affected area under the cold tap for up to 10 minutes or until the pain is relieved. This will cool the burn down and prevent further damage (although you should always call an ambulance first if the burn is severe)
  • Remove clothing, jewellery etc. from the affected area, unless it is it is stuck to the burn. Peeling it off without proper medical assistance can cause even more damage
  • Cover the burn with a sheet of light, clean, non-fluffy material or a dressing specifically developed for burns such as Savlon Hydrocolloid Dressing
  • For minor burns, a hydrocolloid gel, such as Savlon Advanced Healing can be used to cool and soothe the pain, aid faster healing and reduce the likelihood of scarring.
  • Look out for signs of shock (shallow breathing, cold, pale skin or tiredness) and keep the person warm

If the burn or scald is severe, dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance immediately.

    *Sources:

  • http://www.nursing-standard.co.uk/archives/ns/vol16-11/pdfs/p4551v16w11.pdf
  • http://www.rospa.com/homesafety/advice/general/facts_figures.htm

Top Tip

Do NOT apply lotions, ointments or fat to burns and do NOT burst any blisters that form. They are the body’s way of protecting the delicate skin underneath.

 

PLEASE NOTE:
The information on this website is provided as a reference guide only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice from your pharmacist, doctor or NHS Direct. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure of the treatment required or dial 999 in an emergency.

Savlon's suggested medical cabinet essentials

* Always read the label.