Burns and Scalds: First Aid and When to Go to Hospital

Starcare International Hospital · No. 21, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland-GRA, Ikeja, Lagos
+234 9152 70 70 70 · WhatsApp +234 9154 70 70 70

Hot oil, boiling water, a hot iron or an open flame — burns are among the most common household injuries, and the right first aid in the first minutes can dramatically reduce their severity. Knowing what to do, and what never to do, matters. Our emergency team at Starcare International Hospital, Ikeja, explains burn first aid.

• 20 min
  of cool running water for a burn
• Never
  oil, toothpaste or ice on a burn
• Cover
  loosely with a clean cloth
• Seek care
  for large or deep burns

Correct first aid in the first minutes genuinely changes burn outcomes — and some common home remedies make things worse. For anything beyond a small, minor burn, come to our Accident & Emergency unit in Ikeja.

Burn First Aid — Step by Step

1. Stop the burning

Remove the person from the heat source safely. Take off jewellery or loose clothing near the burn before swelling starts (but not anything stuck to the skin).

2. Cool the burn

Run cool (not ice-cold) water over the burn for up to 20 minutes. This is the single most important step.

3. Cover it

Loosely cover with a clean, non-fluffy cloth or cling film to protect the area.

4. Seek care if needed

Large, deep, or blistering burns, burns on the face, hands, feet or genitals, and burns in children need medical assessment.

⚠ Important — never put the following on a burn: oil, butter, toothpaste, ointments, or ice. These can deepen the injury or cause infection. Cool running water only.

When a Burn Is an Emergency

• Large burns or burns deeper than the top layer of skin
• Burns to the face, airway, hands, feet or genitals
• Burns in babies and young children
• Electrical or chemical burns

For these, treat it as an emergency — see our guide on when to visit A&E.

Burn That Needs Attention?

Don't delay — come to Starcare International Hospital, Ikeja, for prompt burn assessment and care, 24/7.

Book an Appointment →

Burn First Aid at a Glance

DoDon'tCool with running water 20 minApply oil, butter or toothpasteRemove nearby jewellery earlyBurst blistersCover loosely & cleanApply ice directlySeek care for serious burnsIgnore burns to face/hands

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions our patients in Lagos ask most often. For anything specific to your case, our specialist team at Starcare International Hospital, Ikeja, is always available to help.

How long should I cool a burn?

Up to 20 minutes under cool running water, ideally as soon as possible after the burn. This limits the damage significantly.

Should I burst a blister?

No. Blisters protect the healing skin underneath. Leave them intact and seek medical advice for larger ones.

Is it safe to put ice on a burn?

No. Ice can worsen the injury. Use cool — not ice-cold — running water instead.

When does a burn need hospital care?

Large, deep or blistering burns, burns to the face, hands, feet or genitals, electrical or chemical burns, and burns in children all need medical assessment.

Final Takeaway: Cool Water, Clean Cover, Quick Care

The first minutes after a burn matter most: cool with running water, cover cleanly, and seek care for anything serious — and skip the home remedies that do harm. At Starcare International Hospital, Ikeja, our emergency team is ready around the clock.

You May Also Find Helpful

• When to Visit A&E in Lagos
• Home First Aid Guide
• Fever in Children: When to Worry
• Our Accident & Emergency Service

Tags: Burns First Aid Lagos · Scald Treatment Nigeria · Burn Care Ikeja · Emergency Care Lagos · Home Safety Nigeria