Safety \ Healthful Hint
How to Treat Minor Burns at Home
Ouch! Minor burns from a run-in with a hot stove or other object can be painful. But fortunately, they're usually easy to treat at home.
First, hold the area under cool water for about five minutes.
Never use ice because that could cause frostbite and further damage the skin.
Clean the area with mild soap and water. Then wrap it lightly in gauze. Change the dressing at least once a day.
If you're uncomfortable, try a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
A minor burn should heal on its own within about five days. But if it's bigger than 3 inches, or you see any signs of infection--like intense redness, swelling, or fever--seek medical help.
This entry last modified on: January 11, 2012 1:50 PM
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About the Video
How to treat minor burns at home and when to call for medical help.
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