SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scout-burn-blisters

A camper's scald from boiling water forms blisters. What should you do with the blisters?

Leave them alone. Never break burn blisters.

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  1. Pop them with a clean pin
  2. Leave them unbroken ✔
  3. Peel the skin off

Why: Blisters mean a partial-thickness, or second-degree, burn. Breaking them makes an open wound that can get infected. Cool the burn with running water, then cover it loosely.

Huh, didn't know that: Doctors now call second-degree burns partial-thickness burns.

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Why did the marshmallow go to the nurse? It got a little too toasted.
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References

Answer: Leave them unbroken. Blisters mean a partial-thickness, or second-degree, burn. Breaking them makes an open wound that can get infected. Cool the burn with running water, then cover it loosely.

  1. First Aid merit badge pamphlet filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Pamphlets/First%20Aid.pdf
    Never break burn blisters. Doing so will create an open wound that may become infected.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingA camper burns her hand on a hot pot. What should come off right away?Outdoors & CampingWhich of these should you NOT put on a burn?Outdoors & CampingWhich burn needs 911 or the emergency room, not just home care?

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