1 - The degree of burn is evaluated according to its depth and extent. It hurts, the skin is red but the affected area is less than half the palm of one hand and the deep skin layers are not reached? It's a 1st degree burn . If there are blisters , a 2nd degree burn . Both types of superficial lesions are treatable at home . If it seems more serious, head for the doctor or an emergency department at the hospital.

2 - The burn is cooled by running fresh water (15 ° C) over the burned area for at least 15 minutes: this reduces the pain and stops the spread of the burn . Yes, because the burning agent (water, fire, steam) is still active even if you have moved away from the heat source. Namely: do not pierce the blisters if there is because the blister is a bulwark against infection . If it breaks, it is better to disinfect with a non-pungent antiseptic that does not dry the skin (Chlorhexidine Spray Gilbert).

3 - The burn is protected with a tulle gras without loosening , to relieve and avoid contact with the possible external contaminants: tulle Jelonet fat (impregnated with paraffin) or Vaselitulle (soaked with Vaseline). It can also be covered with a sterile pad impregnated with a thick layer of anti - burn cream (Biafine Act or Flamigel). It is necessary to deposit the ointment on the compress and not directly of the tube on the skin (to avoid a risk of bacteria via the tube itself).

4 - Finally, the skin is healed thanks to the new hydrocolloid-type dressings impregnated with a moist gel which moisturize the tissues and accelerate their reconstruction. Healing is twice as fast in a hot and humid environment as if the wound is left in the air (Urgo Burns Dressings).