What do minor burns and scalds look and feel like?
Minor burns and scalds are bright pink or red, and likely to blister. They feel very sore. You may need painkillers to help
the pain.
If you burn or scald yourself, your skin will flush an intense red. When you touch the red area, your skin will turn white under your finger.
Burns and scalds are very painful because the burn exposes the nerve endings in your skin. Even a light touch can hurt. The affected part may start to swell up.1
If the burn or scald reaches the second layer of skin (called a second-degree or partial-thickness burn), you will get blisters within a few hours. Blisters are pockets of skin filled with a clear fluid.
Sources for the information on this page:
This information was last updated in Feb 08, 2008
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This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
