Wound care | 2 min read

Prevention and first-aid measures for burns

Burns happen to people every day all over the world. But most burns are preventable, and by knowing the best way to treat a burn with first aid it's often possible to reduce their severity.

At Mölnlycke, we work to raise awareness and lower the impact of burns. You can be a part of this movement by learning more about how to act when a burn occurs and how to avoid burns in the first place.

Focus on the first-aid measures

Adequate first-aid measures help to limit the pain and damage to the skin2 due to burns.

Stop the burning process: Remove the burn source and move the person to a safe space
Remove all burnt clothing and jewellery if it will cause constriction
Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes as early as possible after the injury, within 3 hours. Never use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances like butter
Cover the burn loosely with a non-adherent simple dressing or cling film
Keep the person warm: Wrap the body in a clean dry blanket
Seek medical advice

Burns

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Burns are preventable

Burns can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time. It’s important to note that burns are preventable, though, and some simple measures can be taken to prevent burns and scalds from happening:

Lower the temperature in hot water taps
Keep hot drinks away from table/counter edges, out of reach of young children
Establish a 'kid-free zone' of at least 1 meter around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared and carried
Use a kettle with a short cord to stop it hanging over the edge of the work surface, where it could be grabbed
Do not drink hot liquids through a straw
Turn the handles of pans inward