What happens: The sparkler is still glowing and you let out a loud whoop of pain. You have a burn on your sole.

What is it: “This is a first-degree burn, the least serious sort, in which only the outer layer of skin is damaged. There is swelling and redness, with or without blisters. The skin may peel off after a day or two,”says Dr Nalin Nag, consultant in internal medicine, Inderprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

Do: Hold the burnt area under cold running water for at least five minutes or until the pain subsides; or, use cold compresses. Very gently clean the injured area and dry it, not by rubbing, but dabbing lightly with clean cloth. Put a dry gauze bandage over the burn, wrapping it loosely.

Don't: Don't put ice directly on a burn. Break any blisters. May cause infection.

A firecracker blows up in your hand

What happens: You are in horrible pain. Your skin looks badly damaged.

What is it: “It's a second-degree burn, the most painful as it extends to the middle skin layer but the nerve endings are intact. You get blisters and pus,” says Dr Shehla Agarwal, consultant dermatologist.

Do: Soak the burn in cool water for 15 minutes, then gently dry. Keep the burnt body part at a raised level. Check daily for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling or pus.

Don't: Do not apply butter, grease, powder or any such thing. scratch.

Your friend is going up in flames

What happens: There is terrible pain, until the nerve endings are damaged and the pain lessens. Hhe is lucky as you have rolled him over the ground and put out the fire.

What is it: A third-degree burn, the most damaging.

Do: Get to the hospital right away. Cover the burn with clean cloth until help arrives.

Don't: Don't remove any clothing sticking to the burn and don't pour water on it.

Types of burns

• Sunburn: This is a first-degree burn. Cover the exposed area, take a bath, use a cool compress and apply an aloe-based solution.

• Flame burns: Put out the flames on your body or clothes by rolling on the ground. Remove jewellery, apply first aid.

• Electrical burn: Electrical burns often cause serious injury inside the body. Do not touch the person until you know the power is off; turn off the power using a wooden stick or broom. Call an ambulance.

• Chemical burn: Wash the burn with a lot of water. Take off any chemical-stained clothing. Don't put anything on the injury. Call the docs immediately.

Courtesy: Men's Health