What should I do first for burns?

Immediately remove the heat source and cool the affected area with lukewarm water (15–20 °C) for 10–15 minutes. Do not use ice – this intensifies tissue damage. Remove jewelry and non-adhering clothing before swelling begins.

How do I recognize the severity of a burn?

First-degree burns show redness without blisters (like sunburn). Second-degree burns form blisters and are very painful. Third-degree burns destroy all skin layers; the skin looks leathery, white, or black and often hurts less due to destroyed nerves.

When do I need to call emergency services (112)?

Call emergency services for burns over 10% of body surface, for third-degree burns, for burns to the face/neck/hands/genitals, for children and elderly people, and for chemical or electrical burns.

What can I apply to a burn?

Nothing! No butter, no oil, no toothpaste, and no ice cubes – all of this worsens the injury or leads to infections. After cooling, cover the wound with a sterile dressing (sterile wound dressing or clean cloth). Never pop blisters.

How large must a burn be to require medical treatment?

Second-degree burns larger than a palm (approximately 1% of body surface) and all third-degree burns must receive medical treatment. For children, infants, and elderly people, a lower threshold applies.

First Aid for Burns: Correct Action

Burns are among the most common injuries in everyday life. Whether it's a hot stove plate, boiling water, or sunburn – quick and correct action can significantly influence the healing process and prevent complications. In this guide, you will learn how to properly assess burns and what immediate measures you should take.

Understanding Burn Degrees

Burns are classified into different degrees according to their depth. Classification is important for proper treatment and deciding whether medical help is required.

First-degree burn: Only the outermost skin layer (epidermis) is affected. The skin is red, swollen, and painful. A typical example is mild sunburn. These burns usually heal within a few days without scarring.

Second-degree burn: The underlying skin layer (dermis) is also damaged. Painful blisters form, the skin is severely red and moist. A distinction is made between superficial (2a) and deep (2b) second-degree burns. Superficial burns usually heal within two weeks; deep burns may leave scars.

Third-degree burn: All skin layers are destroyed. The affected area is white, brownish, or black discolored and often painless, as nerve endings are destroyed. These burns always require medical treatment and often skin grafts.

Immediate Measures for Burns

With any burn, the first measure is: Remove the heat source immediately. Bring the affected person out of the danger zone. Carefully remove clothing in the burn area if it is not stuck to the skin. Never pull off stuck clothing; leave it and hand it over to the emergency services.

Cooling Correctly – But How?

Cooling the burn is an important first aid measure, but only under certain conditions. Cool the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes with running, lukewarm water (approximately 20 degrees Celsius). Do not use ice-cold water or ice, as this can lead to hypothermia and additional tissue damage.

Important: For large-area burns (more than 20 percent of body surface), cooling should not be done, as there is a risk of hypothermia. Special caution is required with infants and small children, as they cool down more quickly. Do not use home remedies such as butter, flour, toothpaste, or oil on burns – these worsen the injury and increase the risk of infection.

Wound Care After Cooling

After cooling, the wound should be covered with a sterile dressing. Ideally, use a sterile wound dressing or a clean, lint-free cloth. Wrap the dressing loosely around the affected area to avoid pressure. Burn blisters should never be opened, as they provide natural protection against infections. For burns on the fingers, each finger should be bandaged individually to prevent sticking.

When to Call Emergency Services

Immediately call the emergency services at 112 if it is a third-degree burn, the burn is larger than the palm of the affected person, the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints are affected, there is an inhalation trauma (inhaling hot vapors), infants or small children are affected, or the affected person shows circulatory problems. Your health department can provide information about specialized burn centers in your region.

Burns or Scalds?

Scalds from hot liquids are particularly common in children and can be more serious than burns. Hot water penetrates clothing and damages the skin over large areas. With scalds, immediately remove wet clothing and cool the affected areas. In children, scalds should always be examined by a doctor.

Healing and Aftercare

Mild first-degree burns usually heal within three to seven days. Special burn ointments or gels with aloe vera can support the healing process. Second-degree burns take approximately two to three weeks to heal. Watch for signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, pus formation, or fever. In these cases, see a doctor immediately. The doctor search helps you find a suitable medical professional quickly.

Preventing Burns

You can prevent many burns in the household. Turn pot handles to the back of the stove, use stove guards for small children, and test water temperature before bathing. Protect yourself from sunburn with appropriate clothing and sun protection. Keep fireworks, matches, and lighters safely away from children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first for burns?: Immediately remove the heat source and cool the affected area with lukewarm water (15–20 °C) for 10–15 minutes. Do not use ice – this intensifies tissue damage. Remove jewelry and non-adhering clothing before swelling begins.
How do I recognize the severity of a burn?: First-degree burns show redness without blisters (like sunburn). Second-degree burns form blisters and are very painful. Third-degree burns destroy all skin layers; the skin looks leathery, white, or black and often hurts less due to destroyed nerves.
When do I need to call emergency services (112)?: Call emergency services for burns over 10% of body surface, for third-degree burns, for burns to the face/neck/hands/genitals, for children and elderly people, and for chemical or electrical burns.
What can I apply to a burn?: Nothing! No butter, no oil, no toothpaste, and no ice cubes – all of this worsens the injury or leads to infections. After cooling, cover the wound with a sterile dressing (sterile wound dressing or clean cloth). Never pop blisters.
How large must a burn be to require medical treatment?: Second-degree burns larger than a palm (approximately 1% of body surface) and all third-degree burns must receive medical treatment. For children, infants, and elderly people, a lower threshold applies.

Note: This article is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.