Burn: when to go to the ER
Small, red burns usually heal at home. Large burns, deep burns, and burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals need a doctor.
🔴 Go to the ER or call 911 if there is
- A burn larger than the person’s palm that is blistered or white
- Burns on the face, hands, feet, groin, or a joint
- Chemical or electrical burns
- Trouble breathing after smoke
🟠 Get care today if there is
- Blisters larger than a coin
- Signs of infection: pus, spreading redness, fever
🟢 What helps at home
- Cool running water for 20 minutes
- Do not use ice, butter, or oil
- Cover loosely with a clean non-stick bandage
Learn more from MedlinePlus, the U.S. National Library of Medicine: Burn →. This guide is general information for adults and caregivers. It is not medical advice, it cannot cover every case, and it is not a substitute for a clinician who can examine the person. When in doubt, seek care. FreeDoc is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Library of Medicine.