Small first aid: burns and blocked ears

The questions

1. Question 1 of 7A hot pan touches your hand. How long does the NHS say to hold it under cool running water?

   

   • 30 seconds
   • 2 minutes
   • 20 minutes
   • Until it feels numb

   Show answer

   Answer: 20 minutes

   Cool it under cool running water for 20 minutes, starting within 3 hours. No tap nearby? Cool bottled water or a wet towel (NHS). MedlinePlus says cool water, not ice water.

   Source: NHS: Burns and scalds (reviewed 31 March 2026); MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine): Burns (reviewed 9 April 2026)

   Minor burn or scald: first aid

2. Question 2 of 7Fact or fiction: a bit of butter soothes a burn.

   • Fact
   • Fiction: no creams, oils or butter

   Show answer

   Answer: Fiction: no creams, oils or butter

   The NHS says not to put creams, oils or butter on a burn. MedlinePlus adds: no ice, and don't burst blisters.

   Source: NHS: Burns and scalds (reviewed 31 March 2026); MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine): Burns (reviewed 9 April 2026)

   Minor burn or scald: first aid

3. Question 3 of 7After cooling, what does the NHS suggest covering the burn with?

   

   • A sticky plaster
   • Cling film, laid over it, not wrapped round
   • Cotton wool
   • A tight bandage

   Show answer

   Answer: Cling film, laid over it, not wrapped round

   Lay cling film over the burn; don't wrap it around an arm or leg. Plasters and sticky dressings are on the NHS's don't list.

   Source: NHS: Burns and scalds (reviewed 31 March 2026)

   Minor burn or scald: first aid

4. Question 4 of 7Which of these burns means A&E or an ambulance, not home care?

   • A small red mark on a finger
   • A burn caused by a chemical or electricity
   • A burn that has been cooled for 20 minutes
   • Any burn on a Monday

   Show answer

   Answer: A burn caused by a chemical or electricity

   The NHS says to get emergency help 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.

   Source: NHS: Burns and scalds (reviewed 31 March 2026); MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine): Burns (reviewed 9 April 2026)

   Minor burn or scald: first aid

5. Question 5 of 7Your ear feels blocked with wax, with no pain. What does the NHS suggest trying at home?

   

   • Cotton buds
   • Ear candles
   • 2 to 3 drops of olive or almond oil, lying on your side
   • A hairpin

   Show answer

   Answer: 2 to 3 drops of olive or almond oil, lying on your side

   Put in 2 to 3 drops of plain olive or almond oil and stay lying on your side for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days (NHS). Not if you have a hole in your eardrum, and not almond oil if you are allergic to almonds.

   Source: NHS: Earwax build-up (reviewed 5 January 2024)

   Blocked with earwax? What is safe

6. Question 6 of 7Myth or fact: ear candles get rid of earwax.

   • Fact
   • Myth: the NHS says there is no evidence they work

   Show answer

   Answer: Myth: the NHS says there is no evidence they work

   The NHS says there is no evidence that ear candles or ear vacuums get rid of earwax.

   Source: NHS: Earwax build-up (reviewed 5 January 2024)

   Blocked with earwax? What is safe

7. Question 7 of 7Why not use a cotton bud to dig the wax out?

   • It is too soft
   • It pushes the wax further in and makes it worse
   • It is fine once a day
   • It only works on the left ear

   Show answer

   Answer: It pushes the wax further in and makes it worse

   Cotton buds, fingers or any object push the wax further in and make it worse (NHS). MedlinePlus says never put a cotton swab into the ear canal.

   Source: NHS: Earwax build-up (reviewed 5 January 2024); MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine): Ear wax (reviewed 29 April 2026)

   Blocked with earwax? What is safe