---
title: "Burns and scalds: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "Burn first aid, including 20 minutes of cool running water, what not to apply, and which burns need 999 or hospital treatment."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/
robots: noindex
---

# Burns and scalds: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

Burn first aid, including 20 minutes of cool running water, what not to apply, and which burns need 999 or hospital treatment.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What are burns and scalds? Cool a burn or scald under cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible. Remove nearby clothing and jewellery unless stuck, then cover loosely with cling film or a clean non-fluffy dressing. Do not use ice, butter, toothpaste or creams.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Burns and scalds, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about burns and scalds

- Cool for 20 minutes; do not use ice or very cold water.
- Cover after cooling, without wrapping tightly.
- Chemical and electrical burns require urgent medical assessment.

## Immediate first aid

Move away from the heat source. Cool the area for 20 minutes. Remove jewellery, nappies and loose clothing near the burn before swelling develops, but never pull off material stuck to skin.

## Covering the burn

After cooling, cover loosely with kitchen cling film laid over the area, or use a clean non-fluffy dressing. Keep the person warm without heating the injured area.

## Getting medical help

Depth, size, site, age and cause all matter. When unsure, call NHS 111 after first aid rather than delaying cooling.

## ! When to see a GP about burns and scalds

Call **999** for a large or deep burn, smoke or fume inhalation, breathing difficulty, or severe electrical or chemical injury. Attend A&E for burns larger than the person's hand, burns to the face, neck, hands, feet, joints or genitals, white or charred skin, or any significant burn in a baby or young child.

## Common questions about burns and scalds

How long should I cool a burn? Use cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes. Start as soon as possible, but cooling can still help for up to about 3 hours after injury. Should I burst a burn blister? No. Keep blisters intact because the skin helps protect against infection. Can I put ice or cream on a burn? Do not use ice, iced water, butter, toothpaste, creams or greasy substances. They can damage tissue or trap heat.

## Sources

- [NHS — Burns and scalds](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/)