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Airway burn	Burn, blister - close-up	Burn, thermal - close-up	Burns
First degree burn	Minor burn - first aid - series	Second degree burn	Skin
Third degree burn

• DO NOT apply ointment, butter, ice, medications, cream, oil spray, or any household remedy to a severe burn.
• DO NOT breathe, blow, or cough on the burn.
• DO NOT disturb blistered or dead skin.
• DO NOT remove clothing that is stuck to the skin.
• DO NOT give the person anything by mouth, if there is a severe burn.
• DO NOT immerse a severe burn in cold water. This can cause shock.
• DO NOT place a pillow under the person's head if there is an airway burn. This can close the airway.

Call 911 if:

• The burn is extensive (the size of your palm or larger).
• The burn is severe (third degree).
• You aren't sure how serious it is.
• The burn is caused by chemicals or electricity.
• The person shows signs of shock.
• The person inhaled smoke.
• Physical abuse is the known or suspected cause of the burn.

Call a doctor if your pain is still present after 48 hours.

Call immediately if signs of infection develop. These signs include increased pain, redness, swelling, drainage or pus from the burn, swollen lymph nodes, red streaks spreading from the burn, or fever.

Also call immediately if there are signs of dehydration: thirst, dry skin, dizziness, lightheadedness, or decreased urination. Children, elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV) should be seen right away.

Review Date: 05/11/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.