Conditions
Minor burns: first aid, blisters and warning signs
Minor burns affect only the outer layer of skin or cause small blisters. Run cool, not ice-cold, water over the burn for 5 to 30 minutes, cover it with a clean bandage and don’t break the blisters. Skip ice, butter and home remedies. Go to the ER if the burn is larger than your palm or is on the face, hands, feet or a joint.
Is it an emergency? Call 911.
Is this an emergency?
This is not an emergency service. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- The burn is the size of your palm or larger
- It is on the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks or over a major joint
- It was caused by chemicals or electricity
- The skin looks white or blackened (a deep burn)
- It happened to a young child or an older adult
- There is pus, fever or spreading red streaks
Help lines
At a glance
Minor burns
Common symptoms
- Red skin
- Pain
- Swelling
- Blisters, in second-degree burns
- Other names
- First-degree burn · Superficial burn
- Treatment
- Cool water, a clean bandage and over-the-counter pain relievers; prescription treatment only when the medical evaluation calls for it
- Possible complication
- Burn infection
On this page(10)
What is a minor burn?
MedlinePlus classifies burns by depth. Superficial (first-degree) burns affect only the outer layer of skin and cause pain, redness and swelling. Partial-thickness (second-degree) burns also affect the layer underneath and cause blisters too. Full-thickness (third-degree) burns reach the deep layers and leave the skin white or blackened: they are an emergency.
A minor burn is a superficial burn, or a small blistering burn that isn’t on a sensitive area. They happen, for example, with hot water or oil, the stove or an iron. Sunburn has its own page: sunburn.
How we treat minor burns by video
You see Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, a Puerto Rico–licensed general practice physician with several years of emergency-department experience, in English or Spanish. On camera, the doctor looks at the size, location and appearance of the burn, tells you whether it can be cared for at home or needs an in-person visit, and checks for signs of infection over the following days.
We evaluate, diagnose and treat. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. We do not prescribe controlled substances. This is virtual urgent care for problems that are not emergencies. You need to be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit; visitors are welcome.
Your doctor
Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD
General practice physician
Several years of emergency-department experience.
Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative.
Your visit in 3 steps
Request a visit online 24/7 — we confirm your time by email or text.
Request your visit and pay by card. Choose Doctor visit.
We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer. Have good light so you can show the burn.
The doctor evaluates you. If appropriate, she prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy, or she tells you where to go in person.
What the visit costs
A doctor visit costs US$79, the same price for every age, with no membership. Your card is charged when you request the visit, and you get a full refund if the visit can’t take place. A doctor’s note after your visit is included at no extra charge. The service is run by The Health Initiative, a nonprofit. Book your visit.
Minor burn symptoms
According to MedlinePlus, a superficial or partial-thickness burn causes:
- Red skin
- Pain
- Swelling
- Blisters, in second-degree burns
What to put on a minor burn
According to MedlinePlus, if the skin is unbroken:
- Run cool water over the burn or soak it in a cool water bath, not ice water, for 5 to 30 minutes.
- Once the skin has cooled, a moisturizing lotion with aloe and an antibiotic can help.
- Cover it loosely with a sterile bandage.
- For pain and swelling you can use over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don’t give aspirin to anyone under 19.
- Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date. According to the CDC, after a burn you get a booster if your last dose was 5 or more years ago; it is given in person.
What not to do
MedlinePlus warns:
- Don’t put oil, butter, ice, creams, sprays or home remedies on a severe burn.
- Don’t break blisters or remove dead skin.
- Don’t pull off clothing that is stuck to the skin.
Signs of infection, and when to get care
Most minor burns heal without further treatment. MedlinePlus advises calling a doctor if you still have pain after 48 hours, or if signs of infection appear: drainage or pus from the burn, fever, or red streaks spreading from the burn.
That can be checked by video. If the doctor sees infection spreading through the skin, read about cellulitis too.
When to go to the ER
According to MedlinePlus, call 911 or go to an emergency room if:
- The burn is the size of your palm or larger
- It is on the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks or over a major joint
- It was caused by chemicals or electricity
- The skin looks white or blackened (a deep burn)
- It happened to a young child or an older adult
- There is pus, fever or spreading red streaks
How we care for you
We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you.
We see adults and children of all ages. Patients under 21: a parent with patria potestad (parental authority) or a legal guardian is on camera for the whole visit and shows photo ID.
Real-time video visit. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors, tourists and cruise passengers are welcome).
In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
What should I put on a minor burn?
Should I pop a burn blister?
When is a burn an emergency?
Can a doctor look at a burn by video?
About this page
Author: The Health Initiative
Medical care provided by Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD (PR license 24027)
Disclosure: Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative
Published: 2026-10-02 · Updated: 2026-10-02
Sources (3)
- Burns (MedlinePlus, NIH) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- Burns: health topic (MedlinePlus, NIH) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- Tetanus: clinical guidance, wound management (CDC) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)