Minor burns: the first 20 minutes

Kitchen burns from hot oil, steam or a hot pan are common. What you do in the first minutes makes a big difference.

First aid

• Hold the burn under cool running tap water for 20 minutes.
• Take off rings, watches and tight clothing near the burn before it swells. Do not pull off clothing that is stuck to the skin.
• Cover loosely with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy cloth.
• Paracetamol for pain, as the label says.

Do not

• Put toothpaste, butter, oil or ice on a burn.
• Burst blisters.

See a doctor or go to hospital if

• The burn is larger than the person's palm, looks white or charred, or is painless.
• It is on the face, hands, feet, genitals or across a joint.
• It is a chemical or electrical burn, or the person breathed in smoke.
• The person is a baby, a young child, an older person or pregnant.

This article is general information and not a substitute for an in-person examination. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital.