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What's the best way to treat burns? Question I am looking for help on treatment of burns - are there any creams that will help, is it best to apply a cold cloth etc? Answer Idea of a cold cloth is a very good one, as cold water is one of the best first aid remedies for superficial such as those sustained from dry heat, ie. flashback from fires. Holding a burnt finger under a running cold water tap will often prevent any blistering and will take the 'sting' out of the burn. Most doctors would advise against using any creams except on a very small area, such as a finger, as these often delay healing and can hide a problem such as an infection within the skin. If you do wish to use a cream, then something fairly bland and soothing such as calamine aqueous cream or calendula cream (a herbal cream available from chemists and health food shops) could be tried. After immediate treatment with cold water, burns should be left alone. If blisters form, they are best left to burst of their own accord, or to dry up naturally. Large blisters, especially if on the face or legs or arms, often benefit from a medical opinion, in case they get infected. Any signs such as worsening pain, reddening of the skin or swelling in the area of a burn can indicate an early infection. This can be a serious complication that would require medical advice. Most burns will heal well with minimum treatment but sometimes leave a small area of new skin. This can be quite sensitive, especially to the sun, and it is best to protect any such scarred area with a high sun protection factor (SPF) sun cream. Scalds should be treated in the same way, although they are much more prone to blistering and may require specialist dressings such as paraffin gauze (Sofratulle). If in doubt with a burn, always seek professional advice as painless, pale burns are often deep burns (third degree burns) and these DO require further treatment, often at a specialist hospital centre. Back to Tips
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Dr H
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