Burn or scald: twenty minutes under running water, then cling film
What to take off the skin and what to leave, when to call 112, and why butter and creams stay in the cupboard.
Burns come from dry heat such as fire or an iron, or from electricity or chemicals. Scalds come from hot liquid or steam, which makes them the kitchen injury: a boiling pot, a spilled cup of tea. Small ones can usually be treated at home, and the first steps are the same for both.
Right away
- Hold the burn under cool running water for a full 20 minutes. Start as soon as you can, and within 3 hours.
- No running water? Use cool bottled water or a wet towel.
- Take off clothing or jewellery near the area, but leave anything stuck to the skin.
- Once it has cooled, lay cling film over it if you have some. Lay it on; do not wrap it around.
Don’t
- Put creams, oils or butter on it.
- Cover it with plasters or sticky dressings.
- Burst any blisters.
Call 112 or go to A&E if
- The burn is large or deep.
- It is on the face or another sensitive area.
- It was caused by a chemical, acid or electricity.
Do not drive yourself to hospital. Ask someone to take you or call an ambulance, and bring any medicines you take.
While it heals
A small burn takes around two weeks. Paracetamol or ibuprofen help with pain, and an emollient helps if the skin turns dry and itchy; a pharmacist can suggest one.
Photo: Water running from a kitchen tap. Photograph by Fourteenzerozero, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Source: NHS, “Burns and scalds” (last reviewed 31 March 2026), read 2 November 2026. Kuwait’s emergency number is 112.
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