Health Library

The Health Library is a collection of health and wellness resources created for learning and accessibility. Select a topic below for related health information or search for a topic in the search bar for more information on other medical conditions.

Burns

  • Most burns are minor injuries that occur at home or work. It is common to get a minor burn from hot water, a curling iron, or touching a hot stove. Home treatment is usually all that is needed for healing and to prevent other problems, such as infection. There are many types of burns. Heat burns...

  • Learn what skin graft surgery is and how to prepare your child for it.

  • Learn what you can do at home to care for your child after a skin graft.

  • Learn how to treat minor burns and prevent infection, and when to see a doctor.

  • Immediately run cold water over the hot tar or hot plastic to cool the tar or plastic and stop the burning. Do not attempt to peel the tar or plastic off after it has cooled. This may remove skin that is stuck to the tar or plastic. To remove tar or...

  • You can quickly estimate the size of a burn by using the "rule of nines." This method divides the body's surface area into percentages. Estimating burn size in adults See a picture of the "rule of nines" for adults. The front and back of the head and neck equal 9% of the body's surface area. The front and back of...

  • The seriousness of a burn is determined by: The depth of the burn (first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree). First-degree burns are burns of the first layer of skin Second-degree burns. There are two types of second-degree burns: Superficial partial-thickness burns injure the first and second layers of skin...

  • The first steps to take when a person is in contact with an electrical source are: Have someone call or other emergency services. Do not touch the "electrified person" with your hands. Unplug the appliance or turn off the main power switch. Try to remove the person from the electrical...

  • For many second-degree burns, home treatment is all that is needed for healing and to prevent other problems. Rinse the burn Rinse burned skin with cool water until the pain stops. Rinsing will usually stop the pain in 15 to 30 minutes. The cool water lowers the skin temperature and stops the burn from...

  • There is no evidence-based research to support the safety and effectiveness of the following home treatment measures, but they may help relieve your burn symptoms. Soak a washcloth in water to make a cool compress. Add a handful of oatmeal (ground to a powder) to your bath. Or you can try an oatmeal bath product...

  • Burns are a potential hazard in any home. There are four kinds of burning hazards that may hurt your child: Heat burns Electrical burns Friction burns Chemical burns Heat burns Heat burns, also called thermal burns, are caused by contact with fire, steam, hot objects, or hot...

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