First degree burns are classified as ‘minor burns’ and should be treated as such. Sometimes you may get an extensive first degree burn, such as a full body sunburn, but this does not need medical attention.

A second degree burn burns through two layers of your skin. If your second degree burn is wider than three inches, covers your hands, feet, joints, or genitals, or doesn’t heal over several weeks, then you should call your doctor for medical help. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Third degree burns are always classified as a major burn and need treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. [4] X Research source

Treat low-temperature burns as major burns in most cases, and get medical help for treatment. [5] X Research source Rewarm the skin in 37°C/98. 6°F to 39°C/102. 2°F water immediately after exposure. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Contact a poison control center immediately if you believe you’ve suffered a chemical burn. Care must be taken to neutralize and isolate the spread of the chemical. [7] X Research source Irrigate chemical burns with lots of water, however, avoid water if exposed to dry lime or elemental metals (such as sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, lithium etc. ) as these can react with water and cause more injury.

The sudden shock of extreme heat to extreme cold will only slow the healing process. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Never apply ice or your compress directly to the burn, since this will damage the skin. Keep the towel between you and the ice instead.

Follow the specific package instructions. They’ll be different depending on what medication you choose.

Do not pop blisters while you clean since they actually protect your skin from infection. Take care not to pop the blister or drain the contents, since the body is able to take care of minor blisters on its own. Antibiotic ointment isn’t needed if your blisters haven’t popped. But, if they have or if your wound is exposed, use an antibiotic to prevent infection. [17] X Research source

Do not apply gauze directly to any wound. A wound must always be covered with a cream or ointment before applying gauze. Otherwise, when the gauze is removed, all the newly formed skin will be torn off with it. Remove gauze in the direction of surrounding hair growth. If the gauze is sticking to the wound, use lukewarm water or a saline solution applied to the stuck gauze for easier removal. Make a saline solution by adding 1 teaspoon of salt to a gallon of water. [20] X Research source

Natural moisturizers such as aloe vera or soy may be helpful in cases of sunburn and tanning bed burns.

Signs of an infection include: warmth, tenderness, hardening of the wound area and fever greater than 39°C/102. 2 F or less than 36. 5°C/97. 7 F. Seek immediate medical attention if your temperature falls within these ranges. [23] X Research source

Never try to treat a serious burn yourself. The following measures are simply proactive steps to take until medical help arrives.

Never pull on or move someone using the burned area for leverage. If you do, you could further damage the skin and possibly open up a wound even more. This can cause great pain to a suffering victim and lead to shock.

Severe third degree burns can cause shock because the body loses a significant amount of fluids when a large surface area is burned. The body cannot function normally with such low levels of fluid and blood.

The burn may cause so much swelling that certain parts of the body become dangerously compressed (compartment syndrome). If this happens, surgery might be needed to relieve the pressure. This would also help blood flow and nerve function. [27] X Research source

Antibiotics are needed because the body’s main line of defense against infection (the skin) has been compromised. Medication is needed to keep bacteria from entering and infecting the wound. [30] X Research source Domino, F. (n. d. ). In The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed. ).

Foods that are rich in protein include: eggs, Greek yogurt, tuna, halibut, salmon, tilapia, steak (leaner cuts), boneless & skinless chicken breast, turkey breast, dried lentils, peanut butter, mixed nuts, tofu, wheat germ, and quinoa. High-calorie foods include: avocados, bananas, mangoes, whole wheat granola, whole grain bread, moderate amounts of corn[32] X Research source