Burn Injuries: How to Treat, Prevent, and Know When to Seek Help

These burns only affect the top layer of skin and cause redness or mild pain.

Remove the affected area from the heat source quickly to prevent further damage.

Cool the burn under cool or lukewarm running water for at least 20 minutes to reduce heat and alleviate pain. Avoid using ice, as it can further damage the skin

Take off rings or tight clothing near the burn before swelling begins, ensuring it’s done gently.

Apply a clean, dry cloth or non-stick bandage over the burn. You may use a mild over-the-counter burn ointment, like aloe vera, but avoid home remedies like toothpaste or butter.

Watch for signs of worsening (e.g., increasing pain or blisters). If necessary, contact our team for wound dressing at home.

These burns damage deeper layers of the skin and need urgent care.

Move the person away from the heat source immediately. If flames are involved, smother them with a blanket or roll the person on the ground—do not run, as it fuels the fire.

Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 20 minutes. This helps minimize skin damage and pain. Do not use ice, as it can worsen the injury.

Gently take off jewelry, belts, or tight clothing near the burn before swelling starts, but don’t pull anything stuck to the skin.

Use a clean, non-stick cloth or sterile bandage to loosely cover the burn. Avoid applying ointments, butter, or adhesive materials that could complicate treatment.

Dial emergency services right away. Severe burns require ER care.

🔔 Important Reminder:

Severe burns require emergency care first. After hospitalization, our team provides:

✅ At-home wound cleaning / dressing

✅ Infection prevention

✅ Pain management

✅ Personalized recovery plans

Burns require immediate medical attention if they meet any of these conditions:

• If the burn covers an area larger than your hand
• Affects the face, hands, feet, or joints
• Appears white, charred, or leathery

• Rapid breathing
• Dizziness
• Clammy or pale skin

These can cause internal damage even if the skin looks unaffected.

• Increasing pain
• Rapidly forming blisters
• Redness spreading beyond the burn area

Some groups are more at risk of complications from burns. If they get a burn, it’s important to see a doctor right away:

• Children
• The elderly
• Individuals with limited self-care ability
• People with diabetes or cancer
• People with weak immune systems

Remember: Even if the burn seems minor, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional to prevent infections and reduce the risk of permanent scarring.

Many people unknowingly worsen burns by following incorrect advice. Avoid these mistakes:

• Applying Ice: Using ice might feel relieving, but it can cause frostbite or damage skin further—opt for cool water instead.
• Using Toothpaste: Some people suggest toothpaste for burns, but this is a myth. Toothpaste traps heat, irritates the skin, and increases infection risk—never use it.
• Spreading Butter or Oils: Old remedies like butter or oil hold heat in, making burns worse and complicating professional wound care. Avoid them completely.
• Popping Blisters: Breaking blisters opens the skin to bacteria, risking infection. Leave them alone and consult a healthcare provider.
• Peeling Stuck Clothing: Don’t pull fabric stuck to a burn—cut around it to avoid tearing delicate skin.
• Delaying Medical Help: Severe burns require immediate attention. Seek professional wound care as soon as possible.

• Handle Hot Liquids Carefully: Use sturdy mugs for hot drinks, and keep them out of reach of children to avoid spills.
• Check Electrical Items: Inspect cords and appliances for damage. Faulty wiring can spark fires or cause electrical burns.
• Store Chemicals Safely: Keep flammable liquids like gasoline or cleaning agents in secure, labeled containers away from heat sources.
• Kitchen Safety: Keep flammable items like towels away from stoves, and turn pot handles inward. Never leave cooking unattended—most minor burns happen here.
• Install Smoke Alarms: Working alarms give early warnings, reducing fire-related burn risks. Test them monthly.

Burn injuries require more than just bandages — they need expert attention, consistent care, and a healing environment. That’s where Backliners comes in. With our professional home nursing services, you get high-quality wound care delivered right to your doorstep.

🔔 Important Reminder:

Severe burns always need hospital care first. Our team steps in post-ER for safe, convenient recovery.

Burns heal best with expert care + early intervention.

• Minor burns? Schedule a home assessment with our wound care specialists to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
• Severe burns? Hospitalize first, then call us for aftercare.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, our home nursing care services can provide professional wound dressing and support your recovery at home.

Wondering how we can assist with wound care at home? Discover more here!

After initial burn treatment, proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing. Here are some key recovery tips:

• Keep it Clean: Wash the burn gently with mild soap and water as advised by a professional.
• Moisturize Properly: Use prescribed ointments to keep the skin hydrated and flexible.
• Watch for Infection: If you notice redness, swelling, or pus — get medical attention right away.
• Avoid Scratching: Itching is common, but try not to scratch — this can harm the healing skin.

🔍Also Read:
Top 10 Foods to Promote Healing After Surgery – Find out which foods can help speed up your recovery!

As you can see from the Putra Heights explosion, burn injuries can happen unexpectedly, and immediate care is important. By understanding how to properly treat burns and knowing when to seek professional help, you can ensure the best possible recovery. Don’t delay in contacting a wound care specialist or seeking professional home nursing care when you need it most.

At Backliners, we bring hospital-grade burn treatment to your home, so you can heal safely without the stress of:
✖ Painful clinic visits
✖ Risk of hospital infections
✖ Inconsistent wound care

Whether it’s a minor burn or post-hospital recovery, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.

→ For Urgent Care: Call 999
→ For Expert Aftercare: Contact our Wound Specialists at +60 16-494 7966