Although first-degree burns are not as harmful as second- and third-degree burns, they may nevertheless cause significant discomfort and leave a scar if not treated appropriately. Keep reading for some useful tips on how to care for a burn at home and when to call our home doctor for minor burns in Costa del Sol.
What to do for a minor burn at home
First-degree burns are quite common and typically occur when someone unintentionally touches a hot surface, like an iron, or a stove without realizing it. A first-degree burn may also be caused by exposure to the sun. First-degree burns are less severe than second- or third-degree burns, because they affect just the top layer of the skin. The skin on your body may be red and painful if you have a first-degree burn. You may also have slight edema.
The majority of first-degree burns can be treated at home, but it's crucial to know what to do in case of an emergency. Although first-degree burns are not as deadly as second- and third-degree burns, they may nevertheless cause significant discomfort and leave a scar if not treated appropriately.
Here are some recommendations from our dermatologists for treating a first-degree burn:
Cool down the burn
Immerse the burn immediately in cool tap water or use cold, moist compresses to relieve the pain. Continue to do so for about 10 minutes, or until the discomfort has subsided.
Apply petroleum jelly
Apply petroleum jelly two to three times a day. Keep ointments, toothpaste, and butter from coming into contact with the burn since they may trigger an infection. Topical antibiotics should not be used.
Cover the burn with a non stick sterile bandage
If blisters appear, let them cure on their own while keeping the affected region covered. Avoid popping the blisters.
Consider medication
If you are experiencing discomfort, consider using an over-the-counter pain reliever I n order to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
Keep the area protected from the sun
Once the burn has healed, seek shade, wear protective clothes, or use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the affected region to keep it safe from the sun. This will aid in the reduction of scarring, since the redness associated with a burn may last for many weeks, particularly in people with darker skin tones.
When to call our home doctor for minor burns in Costa del Sol
First-degree burns often heal on their own, without the need for medical intervention. However, if your first-degree burn is extremely extensive, if the victim is a newborn or an old person, or if you believe your burn is more serious, call our home doctor for minor burns in Costa del Sol as soon as possible.