Burns, scalds and electric shock
A burn is damage caused by heat, chemicals, radiation or electricity. Scalds are burns from hot liquid or steam. Small, superficial burns can often be treated at home; deeper, larger or electrical burns need medical assessment. This section explains basic first aid and when to get help.
Get advice about your symptoms
If you are unwell and unsure what to do, use one of the routes below. They are free and available across the UK, and can direct you to the right service.
- Check your symptoms online at 111.nhs.uk
- Call 111 for free 24-hour advice from NHS 111
- Speak to a pharmacist for advice on minor problems — no appointment needed
- Contact your GP for non-urgent medical problems
Call 999 immediately in a life-threatening emergency — for example loss of consciousness, severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding or a suspected stroke.
What this section covers
- First aid: cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes
- What not to do (do not use ice, butter or toothpaste)
- When to call 999 or go to A&E
- Pain relief that is safe to use
- Electric shock — always get checked, even if you feel fine
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