When to Seek Medical Help for Burns

Recognising Serious Burn Injuries

Knowing when to seek medical help for burns is very important to prevent complications. Not all burns can be treated at home. Some need urgent medical attention.

Seek medical help if the burn is deep, larger than your palm, or on sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints. These burns often cause serious damage.

Also visit a clinic or hospital if the burn looks white, charred, or leathery. This usually means a third-degree burn, which destroys all skin layers and needs expert care.

Other signs to get medical help include:

• The person has trouble breathing or smoke inhalation is suspected.
• The burn is caused by chemicals, electricity, or explosions.
• There is severe pain that doesn’t improve with basic first aid.
• The burn looks infected – with redness, swelling, pus, or a bad smell.
• The person has other injuries or health problems, or is very young or elderly.

If you are unsure how serious the burn is, it is safer to get it checked by a healthcare worker. Early treatment can reduce scarring, prevent infection, and save lives.