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Cool water will lower the temperature of the burned area and stop the damage from progressing. Gently run cool water over the burn for at least 10 minutes. If the movement of water flowing over the burn is too uncomfortable, you can apply a clean, cool, wet towel. Do not put ice or very cold water on the burn. The extreme temperatures may increase the damage to your tissues. If you have jewelry or other items that may restrict blood flow if the area swells, remove it immediately. Items that may need to be removed include rings, bracelets, necklaces, anklets, or any other item that could cut off circulation during swelling. Swelling will start immediately so remove the items as soon as possible, but do so gently to avoid further irritation to the damaged tissues. The gel from aloe plants reduces pain and inflammation. It also promotes healing and helps your body repair damaged skin. Do not apply it to an open wound. Aloe is found in many gels and moisturizers. If you have a commercially prepared aloe vera gel, apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you have an aloe plant in your house, you can obtain the gel directly from the plant. Break off a leaf and split it open lengthwise. You will see a clear, greenish goo inside. Dab it directly onto the burn and let it absorb into the skin. If you do not have aloe, you can apply another moisturizer to prevent the burn from becoming too dry as it heals. Don't put greasy materials like butter on the wound. If you pop blisters, this creates an open wound and makes you vulnerable to an infection. If the blisters burst on their own you should: Wash the wound with soap and clean water. Gently dab an antibiotic cream over the area. Protect the area with a nonstick bandage. Go to the doctor if you have blisters that are larger than 1/3 of an inch in diameter, even if they have not burst. Burns can be extremely painful. You may need painkillers to help you get through the day or fall asleep at night. Over-the-counter medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be effective; however, they may interfere with other medications so discuss them with your doctor before taking them. Medications with aspirin should never be given to children. If your doctor says it is ok for you, you can try: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) Naproxen sodium (Aleve) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Tetanus is a disease that occurs when the tetanus bacteria infect an open wound. Your doctor will likely suggest that you get a tetanus shot if: The burn caused a deep wound or it is dirty. You haven't had a tetanus shot in the past five years. You don't know when your last tetanus shot was. Your skin provides you with a barrier against pathogens in the environment. A burn makes you vulnerable to infection. If you develop any of the following symptoms, go to the emergency room right away to have it checked by a doctor: Pus or fluid seeping from the wound Swelling, redness, or pain that increases over time Fever Red streaks spreading from the burn site
Soothe the burn with cold water. Take off jewelry that is on the affected area. Apply aloe on the burns that are not open wounds. Don't pop blisters. Combat pain with over-the-counter medications. Check to see if your tetanus shot is up to date. Monitor the burn for signs of infections.