Treating a first-degree burn
Machine translation from Dutch, not yet checked by a clinician.
First-degree burns are shallow and red, without blisters. Cooling is the first treatment.
What to do
• Cool the burn immediately under lukewarm running water for 20 minutes
• Remove jewellery or clothing near the burn if it is not stuck to it
• Cover with a clean non-stick cloth
• Use a soothing lotion or aloe vera after cooling
Do not do
• Do not use ice or iced water — this causes extra tissue damage
• Do not burst blisters
• Do not put butter, oil or toothpaste on the burn
Warning signs
• Blisters larger than 2 cm — a second-degree burn, get help
• White, brown or black tissue — a third-degree burn, call 112
Get help if
• The burn is larger than the palm of the casualty's hand
• The burn is on a child under 5 or an older person
• The burn is chemical or electrical
Why this matters
Treating burns incorrectly increases the risk of infection and considerably lengthens healing.
Source: Rode Kruis Eerste Hulp Richtlijnen · reviewed 2025-01-01