Minor burn or scald? First aid in the first 20 minutes, and what not to put on it

Hold the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes, take off rings or clothing near it (not anything stuck), then lay cling film loosely over it. No ice, butter, creams or sticky plasters, and don't burst blisters (NHS).

By Abu Bakar SaadatPublished 27 October 20262 min readPublisher: Saadat Rafiq

Illustration

At a glance

Cool it: 20 minutes under cool running water, within 3 hours (NHS)
Cover it: Cling film laid over it, not wrapped round
Never: Ice, butter, creams, sticky plasters, bursting blisters
Emergency: Large, deep, face, genitals, chemical or electrical burns
Advice from: NHS and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine), read 27 October 2026
Checked: October 2026

Reviewed by Dr Aiman Umer, BDS (Army Medical College, Pakistan), on 27 October 2026.

Illustration of a woman at a kitchen sink holding her forearm under a running tap, a kitchen timer beside her — Illustration

Step 1: take off rings, watches and clothing near the burn

Illustration of a hand with a small burn having a ring slid off, a watch taken off beside it — Illustration

Remove anything near the burn, but leave anything that's stuck to the skin (NHS).

Step 2: hold it under cool running water for 20 minutes

Illustration of a forearm under a running tap with a kitchen timer next to the sink — Illustration

Start within 3 hours of the burn. No tap nearby? Use cool bottled water or a wet towel (NHS). Use cool water, not ice water (MedlinePlus).

Step 3: lay cling film over it

Illustration of a sheet of cling film laid loosely over a burn on the forearm, the roll beside it — Illustration

Lay it over the burn; don't wrap it around the arm or leg (NHS).

Step 4: for pain, ask a pharmacist

The NHS says painkillers can help. A pharmacist can tell you which one is right for you. They can also advise on what to use if the skin gets dry or itchy as it heals (NHS).

What not to put on a burn

Illustration of an ice cube, butter, a cream tube and a sticky plaster, each crossed out — Illustration

Don't	Source
Creams, oils or butter	NHS
Ice or ice water	MedlinePlus
Plasters or sticky dressings	NHS
Bursting blisters	NHS, MedlinePlus

Get help

Illustration of a woman on a sofa phoning for advice, cling film over her forearm — Illustration

Call an ambulance (999 UK, 112 EU, 911 US) or go to A&E if the burn is very large or deep, is on the face, genitals or bottom, or was caused by a chemical or electricity. Don't drive yourself (NHS). MedlinePlus also lists burns about the size of your palm or larger, signs of shock, and breathing in smoke.
Not sure what to do, or it's a child under 5: in the UK, call NHS 111 (NHS).
Still painful after 48 hours, or signs of infection: contact your doctor (MedlinePlus).

Is it a minor burn?

MedlinePlus counts these as minor burns: first-degree burns anywhere on the body, and second-degree (blistering) burns less than 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) wide. Anything bigger or deeper needs medical help (see above).

While it heals: signs of infection

Contact a doctor straight away if you notice pus or fluid coming from the burn, a fever, pain that gets worse, red streaks spreading from the burn, or swollen glands (MedlinePlus). MedlinePlus also says to make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date.

Prevent burns at home

Turn pan handles towards the back of the hob so children can't grab them (MedlinePlus).
Keep children away from the hob, irons and oven doors (MedlinePlus).
Set your water heater to 48.8°C (120°F) or less (MedlinePlus).
Fit smoke alarms and check them regularly (MedlinePlus). See our guide to a smoke alarm that keeps chirping.

This article covers small, minor burns and scalds only. It doesn't cover large, deep, chemical or electrical burns, sunburn or burns in babies: get medical help for those.