---

This information sheet has been given to you by Paramedics because you have received a minor burn. It contains important information on how to look after yourself and what to do if your condition changes.

Key messages

• Minor burns are often painful.
• Most minor burns can be managed at home with cooling and pain relief.
• If the burn is showing signs of infection, seek further medical advice.

What are minor burns?

A burn is an injury to the skin caused by flames, UV radiation, hot liquids, chemicals or electricity. Minor burns are very common and may be caused by hot cooking implements, hot water or hot drinks. Burns can be superficial (affecting the top layer of skin only), or deeper (affecting multiple layers of skin and underlying tissue). Superficial (minor) burns are often very painful; this is because the nerves in the skin are mostly left intact. Minor burns rarely require treatment in hospital and will usually heal by themselves after basic first aid.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Minor burns are often:

• painful
• red and irritated-looking
• can blister or swell several days later
• usually heal within seven days with minor or no scarring.

Treatment and home care

In the first 20 minutes after the burn it is important to run cool (normal cold tap temperature – not refrigerated), clean running water on the affected area. This will take the heat out of the burn, start the healing process and provide some pain relief. Stop after 20 minutes. Do not use ice. If cool running water is not available, put the burned area in a container of cool, clean water for up to 20 minutes instead.

Minor burns are often painful. Once the initial cooling has been stopped, you can manage pain by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen according to the directions on the packet. Applying non-perfumed moisturising cream (e.g. Vaseline or Sorbolene) to the burn may also help. It is important that burns are kept clean and dry while they heal as the damaged skin can be vulnerable to infection. Tepid (cool) baths and showers will be most comfortable. Be careful not to get soap onto broken skin.

Covering the burn area also helps to relieve pain. In the short term, plastic kitchen wrap is a suitable dressing for burns, perhaps with a bandage over the top to provide added protection. A pharmacy will be able to provide you with dressings suitable for your burn. Ensure that dressings aren’t too tight as the area may swell.

Tetanus

Any wound, even a small one, can become infected with the bacteria (germ) that causes tetanus. Tetanus is a rare disease but can be fatal. The risk is greatest in the very young and the elderly. A tetanus booster (injection) should protect you for at least 10 years. If you have not had a tetanus vaccine in the past five years you may need a booster. Ask your doctor for more advice.

When to seek further help

If you notice any of the following signs, consult your local doctor or healthcare provider. They may be signs of infection and further care may be required.

• The burn smells bad or green/yellow pus is coming from it.
• The burn is changing colour to green-blue, black or purple.
• Fever (temperature over 37.5°C in adults or 38°C in children) or flu-like symptoms.
• Pain increases or becomes severe.
• The burn becomes very swollen or red.
• The burn is not healing well after five to seven days.

Seeking help

In a medical emergency, call the ambulance back on 000.

Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is also available to treat non-life-threatening emergencies. You will be connected to emergency doctors and nurses who will provide medical advice. Please note you will need a device (mobile phone, tablet, computer) with a camera to use this service.

Contact VVED through the website vved.org.au. If you experience issues, please call 9485 9070.

For ongoing care, consult your local doctor or healthcare provider.

Want to know more?

• Ask your local doctor or health care professional.
• Visit the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
• Visit the Victorian Adult Burns Service website - www.vicburns.org.au/management-of-a-patient-with-a-minorburn-injury/history.html.

Ambulance Victoria is a critical link in Victoria's healthcare system. We welcome your comments as they assist us to improve our services. If you wish to provide feedback, please contact Patient Experience and Consumer Participation Department either via patientexperience@ambulance.vic.gov.au or telephone 1800 875 137.