Dermatol. praxi. 2025;19(1):24-26 | DOI: 10.36290/der.2025.003

Home care for burns: What is safe to use and what to avoid?

MUDr. Júlia Bartková, MBA, MPH^{1, 2}, MUDr. Marianna Kotradyová², MUDr. Gabriela Bakšová³

¹ Klinika popálenin a plastické chirurgie, FN Brno

² Lekárska fakulta Masarykovej univerzity, Brno

³ Stacionár dermatologický, Nemocnica Poprad, a. s., Slovenská republika

Burns are one of the most common injuries requiring specialized care and attention, particularly in the home environment. Their occurrence is frequent among both children and adults, and they can have various causes, such as burns from hot water, fire, electrical current, or chemical substances. Although burns are relatively common, incorrect first aid and subsequent care can lead to serious complications, including infections, delayed healing, or the formation of scars. The aim of this article is to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the proper methods of home care for burns. It will address recommended procedures as well as situations that should be avoided. Commonly used treatment methods, such as cooling the burn with cold water and applying over-the-counter creams, will be discussed. Equally important is the emphasis on when to seek professional medical help and the significance of proper wound care in promoting quick healing and minimizing risks. This article aims to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge for the appropriate treatment of minor burns at home, thereby contributing to the enhancement of patient care quality and the prevention of potential complications.

Keywords: burns, home care, first aid, wound healing, safe practices.

Accepted: April 11, 2025; Published: April 17, 2025  Show citation