This information is for advice only. Please ensure you are familiar with your own first aid procedures

If someone is burnt, cool the burnt area immediately with cold water for at least 10 minutes

First aid for hot melt burns

• Cool the burnt area immediately with cold running water. A shower is useful for larger areas.
• Continue cooling with water for at least 10 minutes.
• Remove rings, bracelets, watches, etc. from the affected area. These may cause tightness or constriction if any swelling occurs.
• A cold compress such as a towel soaked in cold water may be soothing over the burnt area. Apply this only after the initial cooling under cold water.

Things not to do

• Do not remove the adhesive from the skin. Once the hot melt has cooled, it will not harm the skin. It will in fact protect the burnt area.
• Do not prick any blisters.
• Do not apply creams, ointments, oils, grease, etc., or put on an adhesive, sticky, or fluffy dressing.

Go straight to casualty, after cooling with water and first aid, if

• The burn has caused the skin to char or turn white. These are known as third degree or deep burns.
• The burn has caused the skin to blister, in particular on the face, hands, arms, feet or legs. These are known as second degree or partial burns.
• The burn area is larger than the size of the hand of the person affected.

You should place a non-fluffy, non-adhesive material over larger or more serious burns before going to casualty. Cling-film is ideal, and is also soothing.

See a doctor or nurse as soon as possible if

• The burn becomes infected. Infection causes a spreading redness from the burn which becomes more painful.
• You are not up to date with tetanus immunisation.
• Blisters occur. You may be happy to deal with small burns with one or two small blisters. However, a blister means a second degree burn, and it may be best to see a doctor or nurse.