Can i cover burns

Apply cool compresses to burns on the face or body. Do not use ice or ice water, which can cause tissue damage. Take off any jewelry, rings, or clothing that could be in the way or that would become too tight if the skin swells.

Clean the burn Wash your hands before cleaning a burn. Do not touch the burn with your hands or anything dirty, because open blisters can easily be infected. Do not break the blisters.

Gently wash the burn area with clean water. Some of the burned skin might come off with washing. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze. Do not put sprays or butter on burns, because this traps the heat inside the burn. Bandaging the burn If the burned skin or blisters have not broken open, a bandage may not be needed.

If the burned skin or unbroken blisters are likely to become dirty or be irritated by clothing, apply a bandage. If the burned skin or blisters have broken open, a bandage is needed. To further help prevent infection, apply a clean bandage whenever your bandage gets wet or soiled. If a bandage is stuck to a burn, soak it in warm water to make the bandage easier to remove. If available, use a nonstick dressing. Gently wash the burn area with clean water.

Some of the burned skin might come off with washing. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze. Do not put sprays or butter on burns, because this traps the heat inside the burn. Bandaging the burn If the burned skin or blisters have not broken open, a bandage may not be needed. If the burned skin or unbroken blisters are likely to become dirty or be irritated by clothing, apply a bandage.

If the burned skin or blisters have broken open, a bandage is needed. To further help prevent infection, apply a clean bandage whenever your bandage gets wet or soiled.

If a bandage is stuck to a burn, soak it in warm water to make the bandage easier to remove. If available, use a non-stick dressing. There are many bandage products available. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.

Wrap the burn loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin. Do not tape a bandage so that it circles a hand, arm, or leg. This can cause swelling. Related Information Burns and Electric Shock. Credits Current as of: February 26, Top of the page Next Section: Related Information. Third degree burns are extremely serious and cause severe damage to deeper layers of the skin. They are characterised by a whitened or charred burn site with no sensation in the area due to destroyed nerve endings.

Third degree burns are emergency situations and immediate medical attention should be sought. Just like any other wound, burns can become infected. Typical signs of an infection are: additional redness around the wound, abnormal warmth, reoccurrence of pain after the initial pain relief, swelling of the wound and occurrence of pus.

Also, a fever may be a sign of an infection. If you notice any of these changes, consult a doctor as soon as possible. You can easily get burned, and chances are that whether it is from fire or a domestic heat source, it will happen as fast as lightning and take you by surprise.

Learn more about treating burns in our step-by-step guide below. Cool the burned or scalded area under cold running water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides.

Do not apply ice. Cooling the burn with water is known to relieve pain and reduce swelling, as well as preventing blisters. Dry the affected area gently and carefully. Never put fat or butter onto a burn or remove anything stuck to the skin, such as clothing.

When in doubt, seek medical advice. We recommend seeking medical advice if: The burned area is large more than three inches and deep. After initial pain relief the burned area again shows signs of infection such as redness, heat, swelling, pain, itching or burning.

A child is burned. The burn is on a sensitive part of the body e. You have any questions or concerns. For third-degree burns, you should always seek medical attention immediately.

Second degree burns can be more serious and thus require more care than first degree burns. First, cool the wound under running water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Use the Elastoplast Wound Spray to clean from bacteria to prevent infections. Afterwards, gently dry the affected area and apply a thin layer of Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment to support the healing process and cover your burn with an appropriate plaster or a sterile compress to protect it from external influences.

Do not attempt to break any blisters that may occur.