How to Help Iron Burns

Iron burns are a common household injury caused when the surface of the skin comes into contact with heated iron, such as an iron plate. Tissue cells are destroyed when exposed to heat levels they are unable to disperse. The severity of the burn depends on many factors such as iron setting, area of the burn, size of the burn and duration of exposure. Most iron burns are minor in nature with treatment focused on pain relief and infection prevention.

Things You'll Need

• Sterile gauze
• Saline solution

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour cool water or sterile saline over the injured area for 5 to 10 minutes. The cool water disperses heat and stops the burning process, which continues even after the injured area has been removed from the heat source. Do not use cold water or ice; these items will excessively lower body temperature.

• 2

  Remove all jewelry, clothing or anything that is constricting from the area. Burns cause swelling that will be further complicated by these items.

• 3

  Inspect the area and determine the severity of the burn. Burns are classified medically by severity, size and depth. First-degree burns are superficial, and produce pain, redness and minor swelling. The skin usually appears dry. Second-degree burns can be identified by their partial thickness, and produce redness, swelling, severe pain and blisters. The skin appears moist when the blisters break open. Third-degree burns can be identified by their full thickness, involve all of the layers of the skin, are the most severe, and are usually the least painful initially as a result of nerve damage. The skin can appear dark and charred, or waxy and white. Third-degree burns are always serious and should be assessed by a physician.

• 4

  Determine the size of the burn. Minor burns smaller than the size of a palm can be treated at home. Burns that cover a large surface area or those occurring on the face, neck or chest should be immediately treated by trained medical personnel.

• 5

  Cover the burned area with dry, sterile gauze dressing. Make sure the bandage is not so tight that it breaks any blisters. Do not use cotton or other loose fabric that will leave behind lint or fabric pills.

• 6

  Change the burn dressing once per day. Inspect the injured area during each dressing change and look for signs of infection such as redness, swelling and change in color.