If you notice blisters at the burn site, leave them alone. Your doctor can safely drain the blisters for you if they think it’s necessary.

Burns that are located directly over major joints (such as a knee or elbow) or that wrap all the way around your limb also need emergency treatment. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Some medical experts recommend getting medical care for any burn larger than about the size of a quarter. [5] X Research source

Black, white, brown, or yellowish discoloration of the skin at the burn site Open skin in the burned area Dry and leathery skin at the burn site Numbness or lack of pain in the burned area (due to nerve damage)

Remove any clothing or jewelry from the scalded area unless it is sticking to your skin. Rinse the burn under cool or lukewarm water for 20-30 minutes. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Cover the burn with a dry, clean bandage or a layer of cling film. Lie down and elevate the burned area above the level of your heart to prevent swelling. Cover yourself in a warm blanket, but avoid any pressure or friction on the scalded area. [9] X Research source

If anything is sticking to the burn, don’t try to remove it. It could cause more damage to the scalded skin. Instead, leave it there and seek medical attention.

Soak or rinse the burn for 5-30 minutes. This will both clean the area and cool the burn to help prevent further damage. Don’t use hot or ice-cold water, since either one can irritate the burned skin and make the damage worse. You can also gently lay a cold, wet towel or washcloth on top of the burn to cool it and reduce pain.

If you don’t have a bandage, wrap the scald in cling film. [13] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Don’t put on any ointments or lotions at this point. Change the dressing once a day or any time it gets wet or dirty. Gently wash the burn with cool or lukewarm water and mild soap whenever you change it. [14] X Research source

If you’re treating a scald on a child or teen, avoid any painkillers that contain aspirin. Aspirin can cause a rare but life-threatening reaction in some people under the age of 16. [16] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

Blow on the burn Pop any blisters or peel dead skin Submerge the burn in ice-cold water, especially if it’s a serious burn

Put containers of hot liquid in the middle of the table or far back on the counter instead of close to the edges. [21] X Trustworthy Source State of Massachusetts Official website for the State of Massachusetts Go to source If you’re going to put hot liquids on the table, use placemats instead of a tablecloth. This will prevent kids or pets from accidentally spilling scalding liquids on themselves if they pull on the tablecloth. Never hold a container of hot liquid and a baby or toddler at the same time!

Small children have extra-sensitive skin and can get scalded more easily than adults. If you’re bathing a child, keep the water temperature in the bath between 98. 6 °F (37. 0 °C) and 100. 4 °F (38. 0 °C). [23] X Research source

Keep the lid closed securely between sips.

If you want to deep-fry something that’s damp, pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it to the oil. [30] X Research source