Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
The single most important step for a burn is to cool it quickly with cool running water — this limits the damage. Never put toothpaste, butter, oil or ice on a burn.
1. Stop the burning: move away from the heat source.
2. Cool the burn under cool (not ice-cold) running water for at least 20 minutes.
3. Remove jewellery and loose clothing near the burn (not anything stuck to it).
4. Cover with cling film (laid on, not wrapped tight) or a clean, non-fluffy cloth.
5. Keep the person warm and give paracetamol for pain.
6. Seek medical care for anything more than a small, superficial burn.
When to see a doctor urgently
NEVER apply toothpaste, butter, oil, ash or ice to a burn
Do not burst blisters
Get urgent care for burns to the face, hands, feet, genitals or over a joint
Urgent care for large burns, deep/white/charred burns, chemical or electrical burns, or a burn in a child
Cool water first — home remedies harm. Cooling for 20 minutes genuinely reduces burn depth. Traditional remedies like toothpaste or butter trap heat and cause infection. This is not a substitute for medical care. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I cool a burn?
At least 20 minutes under cool running water, ideally within the first 3 hours of the burn. This limits the damage and eases pain.
Should I put toothpaste or butter on a burn?
No — never. They trap heat, raise infection risk and must be cleaned off later, causing more pain. Use only cool running water.
When does a burn need a doctor?
For burns larger than a coin, deep or white/charred burns, burns to the face, hands, feet, genitals or joints, chemical/electrical burns, or any burn in a child.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.