Most minor burns and scalds don't leave a scar, even if the skin has blistered. They generally heal in about two or three weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Deitch EA, Wheelahan TM, Rose MP.
Hypertrophic burns scars: analysis of variables.
The Journal of Trauma. 1983; 3: 895-898.

 

 

 

 

 

¹ Your burn or scald will take longer to heal if it gets

 

 

 

 

 

infection
You get an infection when viruses, bacteria, fungi or other tiny organisms get into your body. These bugs are so tiny that you can't see them without a microscope. For example, an infection in your airways causes the common cold. And an infection in your skin can cause rashes such as athlete's foot.

 

 

 

 

 

infected, so it's very important to keep it clean and covered.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Hudspith J, Rayatt S.
First aid and treatment of minor burns.
BMJ. 2004; 328: 1487-1489.

 

 

 

 

 

²

If your burn or scald is small, with only one or two small blisters, you may be able to treat it at home. But if the blistered area is more than 2 or 3 inches across, you should see a doctor right away.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Mayo Clinic.
Burns: First aid.
January 2008. Available at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-burns/FA00022 (accessed on 28 October 2008).

 

 

 

 

 

³ Your burn needs to be carefully cleaned and dressed. Your local emergency room will be able to help.

Doctors sometimes disagree about what to do with blisters. Most blisters should probably be left alone, covered with a simple dressing. But some doctors open large blisters with a sterile needle or sterile scissors, to help them heal. Don't try this at home.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Hudspith J, Rayatt S.
First aid and treatment of minor burns.
BMJ. 2004; 328: 1487-1489.

 

 

 

 

 

²

Burns that blister your skin sometimes weep and get infected. If this happens, you'll need help from a doctor or nurse. They can clean your burn thoroughly before putting on a dressing.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Hudspith J, Rayatt S.
First aid and treatment of minor burns.
BMJ. 2004; 328: 1487-1489.

 

 

 

 

 

²

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Papini R.
Management of burn injuries of various depths.
BMJ. 2004; 329: 158-160.

 

 

 

 

 

⁴

Thin, hairless skin, such as the skin on your inner arm, takes longer to heal than thick or hairy skin, such as the skin on your back or scalp.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Papini R.
Management of burn injuries of various depths.
BMJ. 2004; 329: 158-160.

 

 

 

 

 

⁴

We've put together some first aid tips for treating a burn as soon as it happens. This can limit the damage to the skin. To read more, see First aid for minor burns and scalds.

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