Make sure any water you use is clean. Any contamination could cause a serious infection. Do not use ice or ice water. Very cold water can cause further skin damage. Use cool to comfortably cold water. Do not wash out the burn with soap or scrub it in any way. Only run it under cool water. Do not blow on the wound to cool it off. This spreads germs into the burn. [2] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
If the burn is severe enough that skin is burned away, don’t apply a could compress. The towel could get stuck to the wound and cause further damage. Remember to make sure any water you use is clean.
Do not pull off any clothing or objects that are stuck to the skin. This will cause more damage. Continue running the wound under water and see if the object dislodges by itself. Otherwise, leave it and let the doctor remove it.
First-degree burns are minor. They only affect the outer layer of skin and cause redness, swelling, and minor pain. Second-degree burns affect deeper skin layers. They cause deep redness, more intense pain, and blistering. Third-degree burns completely burn away the outer layer of skin. The skin may be black or white. You may also feel numbness due to nerve damage. Never try to treat a second or third degree burn by yourself. These are serious injuries that require medical attention immediately.
Your doctor may want to inspect the burn firsthand. Make an appointment as soon as possible. If the burn is severe enough, your doctor may tell you to go to the hospital. Listen to these directions and receive medical attention as soon as possible. Contacting your doctor is especially important if you have diabetes or another condition that inhibits your circulation. [6] X Research source
Use only gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to avoid irritating your skin. If the skin is broken, check with your doctor before applying any lotion. The doctor may not recommend using lotion on more serious burns. Talk with your doctor about using medical grade honey on irritated or infected burnt skin. Some studies indicate that medical grade honey can help to heal infections. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Do not apply the tape directly to the burn. This will be very painful to remove.
Take all medication as instructed. Don’t double-up on doses or take them for longer than the instructions say. Make sure you don’t have any drug allergies before taking pain relievers. Allergies to NSAIDs are common.
If the burn itches, take an antihistamine medication to prevent yourself from scratching. If the blisters grow very large and uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about it. They may want to drain the blisters. But never do this yourself.
Consult your doctor about getting a pair of orthopedic shoes while you recover. These are designed for comfort and support, and may make your recovery process much easier. If your skin is broken and you do wear sandals, be sure to wrap your burn well. Dirt and bacteria could enter the wound when you go outside.
Do not wrap the surgical tape around your foot. This cuts off the circulation and slows healing. Only put a strip along your skin so the gauze stays in place. Don’t use cotton or a similar product with fibers. These fibers will get stuck on your skin. Change your bandage at least once a day. Also change the bandage any time it gets wet.
If your toes do stick together, hold them under warm running water to gently work them apart.
For a good elevation position, lay back on a couch. Then place your burned foot on the armrest. Place 1 or 2 pillows under your foot in bed to keep it elevated.
Ask your doctor about using soap. For more serious burns, doctors don’t recommend using soap. If any gauze gets stuck to your burn, don’t pull them off. Soak your foot in water to loosen the gauze, then gently remove them.
Doctors sometimes rent canes to patients while they recover. Speak with your doctor to see if they provide this service or can point you towards someone who does. Some insurance plans cover canes and crutches if you need them. Check with older relatives or neighbors to see if they have an extra cane lying around.
