What is a burn or scald?

A burn can cause damage to your skin or the tissue underneath. Burns can be caused by:

• heat
• too much time in the sun
• chemicals
• electricity
• friction

A scald is a burn injury that is caused by hot water or steam.

Burns and scalds can range from minor to life-threatening emergencies. It depends how deep and how large the burn is.

What are the symptoms of a burn or scald?

The symptoms of a burn or scald will depend on how severe it is.

A superficial burn, also known as a first-degree burn, affects only the top layer of your skin. Symptoms of a superficial burn include:

• red skin
• mild pain
• mild blistering of your skin

A partial thickness burn, also known as a second-degree burn, damages the first and second layers of your skin. Symptoms of a partial thickness burn include:

• swelling
• pain
• dark red skin
• blistering of your skin

A full thickness burn, also known as a third-degree burn, reaches the fat or muscle underneath your skin. Symptoms of a full thickness burn include:

• brown, black or white skin
• dry and leathery skin

A full thickness burn can destroy your nerves, so you may not feel much pain, even though it is very serious.

When should I call an ambulance?

Call an ambulance or go straight to your nearest emergency department if the burn:

• is deep, even if it isn't painful
• involves your face, hands or genitals
• has caused your skin to have patches of brown, black or white
• was caused by chemicals or electricity
• affects your throat or airway, making it harder to breath

What should I do while waiting for an ambulance?

Remove the source of the burn:

• If someone is on fire, place them on the ground and cover them in a blanket. This will help put out the flames.
• If it's an electrical burn, turn off the electricity if it's safe to do so.
• If it's a chemical burn, carefully remove any contaminated clothing. Then wash the affected area with water. You can continue to do this for up to 60 minutes.
• If dry chemicals have caused a burn, brush off the chemicals to stop the burn getting worse.

As soon as possible, put the burned area under cool, running water for at least 20 minutes. Cool, running water can continue to help the burn for up to 3 hours.

It's important not to:

• apply ice to the burn
• apply any lotion or cream to the burn
• remove anything that is stuck to the burn
• pop any blisters, as this may cause infection

Cover the burn with a light, loose, non-stick dressing. Plastic cling film is a good choice. Do not use plastic cling film if the burn is to the face.

What causes burns and scalds?

The most common causes of burns and scalds include:

• hot drinks, foods or steam
• flames
• hot objects such as stoves, irons or oven doors
• friction such as from a treadmill running belt
• chemicals from household cleaning products
• damaged power cords

How are burns and scalds treated?

All burns should be placed under cool, running water for 20 minutes. This should be done as soon as possible.

A superficial burn will usually heal after 3 to 6 days. If the burn does not have any blisters or broken skin, such as sunburn, aloe vera is the best treatment to apply.

A partial thickness burn will usually heal after 1 to 3 weeks. See your doctor for treatment if:

• your burn is larger than a 20 cent coin — about 3 centimetres across
• your burn has developed blisters
• you are worried about your burn

Your doctor may recommend pain relief medicines or a medical dressing.

A full thickness burn can take months to heal. If the burn affects more than 10% of your body, or 5% of your child's body, get urgent care. You will likely be admitted to hospital and may need skin graft surgery.

What are the complications of burns and scalds?

Large or deep burns and scalds can become infected. This can lead to sepsis (infection of the blood) or cellulitis (skin infection).

Serious burns can also lead to hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature). This is because your skin normally helps control your body temperature.

After a serious burn or scald heals, you may have scarring. Often scarred skin won't stretch the way normal skin does. This can limit your range of movement in the area that was burned. Speak to your doctor or physiotherapist about how to treat scarring.

Can burns and scalds be prevented?

In the kitchen

• Be careful not to give children food that is too hot.
• Always supervise children in the kitchen.
• Install a safety gate to keep toddlers out of the kitchen.
• Never leave hot food or drinks unattended.

In the bathroom

• Fill the bath with cold water first, then add the hot water to get to the correct temperature.
• Always test the water temperature before your child gets into a shower or bath.
• Set a maximum temperature of 50°C for your hot water system, to prevent scalds.

Around your home

• Take care with all electrical items. Unplug them when they're not in use.
• Always have working smoke detectors in the house.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy and tell the adults who regularly visit your home, such as babysitters, where you keep it.
• Always wear protective clothing and eyewear if you are using chemicals.

Resources and support

The Royal Children's Hospital has advice on how to prevent burns and how to give first aid treatment for burns.

St John Ambulance provides a guide and a fact sheet on how to treat burns and scalds.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.