How do you treat a burn at home?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Cool the burn under running water for a full 20 minutes - the single most important step - then remove nearby jewelry, cover loosely with cling film or a clean plastic bag, and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never use ice, and skip butter, oil, and toothpaste. Do not pop blisters, and never peel stuck clothing. Get medical care for burns bigger than the person's hand; anything on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals; all chemical and electrical burns; white or charred skin; and any burn on a baby or toddler. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you judge severity.
What to do
- Run cool water for 20 minutes: it limits depth - every minute counts, and it still helps an hour later.
- Remove jewelry before swelling: but never anything stuck to the burn.
- Cover loosely, not wrapped: cling film laid over keeps it clean and hurts less.
- Know the get-seen list: bigger than a hand, face/hands/joints/genitals, chemical or electrical, white or charred, or any burn on a small child.
Related questions
- What helps a sunburn heal faster?
- How do you tell if a cut needs stitches?
- When is a rash an emergency?
- How do you treat a jellyfish sting?