Dr. Samhitha Reddy
Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
MBBS, MS, FMAS, FISCP, DMAS
- 8 Yrs
- ASCRS Member
What should I do in the first hour after a burn?
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rohit Nallapati, MS, MChConsultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Last reviewed · 4 min read
What you do in the first twenty minutes after a burn affects how deep it becomes and how it heals. Cool running water is the only first aid that genuinely helps.
Dr. Rohit Nallapati
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
11 YrsAPSI Member
Book AppointmentView Profile →What to do
1
Cool the burn
Hold the area under cool running water for twenty minutes. This works for up to three hours after the injury.
2
Remove constricting items
Take off rings, watches and tight clothing before swelling begins, unless they are stuck to the skin.
3
Cover loosely
Cling film or a clean non-fluffy cloth. Do not apply creams before assessment.
Important
Never apply ice, toothpaste, oil or ash. They deepen the injury and make assessment harder.
Speak to the plastic surgery team
Daycare procedures, cashless insurance, and consultations seven days a week at Gachibowli.
When should I see a doctor about burns?
Book a consultation if symptoms persist, get worse, wake you at night, or come with bleeding, fever or unexplained weight loss. Anything that does not settle within a few weeks is worth having looked at.
Will I need surgery?
Often not. Many conditions settle with medication, physiotherapy or a change in daily habits. Surgery is discussed when simpler measures have been tried, or when the problem is structural.
Still unsure what is causing your symptoms?
A short consultation with a Lux plastic surgery specialist can tell you what you are dealing with — and what, if anything, needs treating.
Gachibowli, Hyderabad · Seven days a week · Cashless insurance accepted
Sources & references
Published · Last reviewed · Next review due March 2027
This article is published for general education. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an in-person consultation. If you are worried about a symptom, please speak to a qualified doctor.
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