Minor burns are one of the most common camping injuries. Knowing what to do can help reduce pain and prevent the injury from becoming more serious.
“The first few minutes matter,” says Dr. Joe Barton, an emergency physician and chief medical officer for the 2026 National Jamboree. He recommends these five steps if your campout gets heated:
1. Cool the burn with running water.
As soon as possible, place the burned area under cool running water for about 20 minutes. This helps remove heat from the skin, limits damage to deeper tissues and reduces pain. If running water isn’t available, use clean, cool water from another source. Avoid ice or ice water, which can further damage skin and slow healing. And don’t apply butter, toothpaste, or other home remedies — those are just myths and don’t work.
2. Remove any rings or jewelry.
Even a minor burn can cause swelling. During the cooling process in Step 1, remove jewelry such as rings or watches if the injury is on your hand or finger. Once swelling develops, those items can become difficult or even impossible to remove without medical assistance.
3. Cover the area with a clean dressing.
After cooling the burn, protect it with a clean, dry, nonstick dressing or bandage. Covering the injury helps keep dirt and bacteria away while reducing irritation from clothing or equipment. If a blister develops, don’t pop it. Blisters are the body’s natural protective barrier and can help prevent infection.
4. Use over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
Minor burns can remain uncomfortable for several hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow dosage instructions, and ensure it complies with unit, camp and parental guidelines.
5. Monitor the burn as it heals.
Most minor burns improve within several days. Keep an eye on the area for signs of infection, including increasing redness, swelling, warmth, drainage or worsening pain.
When to seek medical care
According to guidelines published by the American College of Emergency Physicians, burns to the eyes, mouth, hands and genital areas — even if mild — should be treated by a medical professional.
Seek medical attention immediately if the burn covers a large area (more than 2 to 3 inches in diameter), or if you have any of the following symptoms:
- A burn that doesn’t heal in 10 to 14 days
- Fever
- Pus-like or foul-smelling drainage
- Excessive swelling
- Redness of the skin
- A blister filled with greenish or brownish fluid
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