Pain relief for minor burns

Burns are usually described by the level of skin damage that has occurred. There are three basic levels of damage:

1. Superficial burns – here the skin is red and painful to touch or move but not blistered. In these minor burns, only the top layer of skin has been damaged.
2. Partial thickness burns – these burns go deeper with both the first and second skin layers being damaged. These burns are very painful, and the area is swollen, peeling and blistered.
3. Full-thickness burns – this is where the first and second skin layers are damaged as well as the tissue below them. The burn will usually look charred and you may be able to see the white fatty tissue underneath.  Nerves at the burn site may be damaged, but the surrounding area will be very painful.

It is not always easy to tell the difference between partial and full thickness burns – but both of these more serious burns need immediate medical treatment.

You can usually treat and relieve the pain of superficial burns with pain relief, dressings and regular review to make sure they have not become infected.

Remember to first cool the burn and remove any rings or loose clothing items from the burnt area. You may want to apply a dressing to help make sure the area does not become infected.

You may also want to use a local anaesthetic, such as Xylocaine 5% Ointment, to help relieve any pain and itching that may occur as the burn begins to heal.