How to prevent a burn from leaving a scar

More than 1 million Americans obtain medical care for burns each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical center. Many of those burns, especially in children, result from scalding liquids. Other common types of burns are from electricity, sun or fire. Scarring and infection can both result from serious burns. Learn how to prevent a burn from leaving a scar so there is no evidence of the traumatic event.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Bowl (optional)
• Gauze bandage
• Antibiotic ointment

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine the type of burn. There are three types of burns: first-, second- and third-degree. The most serious are third-degree burns. Visit a physician to fully ascertain the type of burn. Rapid medical care reduces the chances of scarring.

• 2

  Submerge the burn in cool water. Place it under a running water faucet for 10 minutes. Another option is to put the burned area in a bowl of cool water, but do not use ice on the burn.

• 3

  Apply a gauze bandage to the burn. The goal is to keep the wound clean and free from infection.

• 4

  Put antibiotic ointment onto the burned area. Do so once the wound is healed and closed. It is best to get approval from your doctor first. Use your ring finger to dab it gently onto the burn. This prevents infection and prevents a burn from leaving a scar.

• 5

  Apply calendula cream to burns once they have healed. Calendula cream is a homeopathic remedy that is especially appropriate for severe sunburns. Pat it onto the burn twice per day.