How to treat a minor burn
For a minor burn from a hot pan handle, hold it under cool running water for a full 20 minutes, take off rings or watches before it swells, then cover it loosely with a clean nonstick dressing or plastic wrap. Do not use ice, butter or toothpaste, and do not pop blisters. Burns larger than your palm need medical care. A certified first aid class covers the rest.
About 10 minutes to learnSafety critical: tightly scoped, know when to call a professional
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How to do it
- Move away from the heat source and turn it off.
- Run cool, not ice cold, tap water over the burn for 20 minutes, even if it feels better sooner.
- Remove rings, watches and tight clothing near the burn before it swells, unless they are stuck to the skin.
- Cover it loosely with a clean nonstick dressing or a layer of plastic wrap.
- Leave blisters alone so the skin underneath stays protected.
- Ask a pharmacist about pain relief and follow the label.
- Watch over the next days for spreading redness, swelling, pus or fever, which can mean infection.
Stop and call a professional if
- Call 911 for burns that are large, deep, white, leathery or charred, or for any burn with trouble breathing or smoke exposure.
- Get medical care the same day for burns larger than your palm, on the face, hands, feet, groin or a joint, or from chemicals or electricity.
- Get care for any burn on a young child or an older adult.
- Take a certified class in first aid and CPR: this page is a refresher, not training or certification.
In an emergency, call your local emergency number, 911 in the US. Take a certified class to practice this with an instructor.
Common mistakes
- Putting ice or ice water on a burn, which can damage the skin further.
- Using butter, oil or toothpaste, which traps heat.
- Cooling for only a minute or two.
- Popping blisters.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
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Teach: How to treat a minor burn
What to say
For a minor burn from a hot pan handle, hold it under cool running water for a full 20 minutes, take off rings or watches before it swells, then cover it loosely with a clean nonstick dressing or plastic wrap. Do not use ice, butter or toothpaste, and do not pop blisters. Burns larger than your palm need medical care. A certified first aid class covers the rest.
What to show, in order
- Move away from the heat source and turn it off.
- Run cool, not ice cold, tap water over the burn for 20 minutes, even if it feels better sooner.
- Remove rings, watches and tight clothing near the burn before it swells, unless they are stuck to the skin.
- Cover it loosely with a clean nonstick dressing or a layer of plastic wrap.
- Leave blisters alone so the skin underneath stays protected.
- Ask a pharmacist about pain relief and follow the label.
- Watch over the next days for spreading redness, swelling, pus or fever, which can mean infection.
When to stop and call a professional
- Call 911 for burns that are large, deep, white, leathery or charred, or for any burn with trouble breathing or smoke exposure.
- Get medical care the same day for burns larger than your palm, on the face, hands, feet, groin or a joint, or from chemicals or electricity.
- Get care for any burn on a young child or an older adult.
- Take a certified class in first aid and CPR: this page is a refresher, not training or certification.
The check question
Ask: How long should you cool a burn under running water?
Related skills
- How to put out a grease fire
- How to iron a dress shirt
- What to say when you call 911
- Every skill in First Aid and Emergencies
Words on this page
Sources
- National resuscitation and first aid guidelines, 2025 guidelines. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .