Is it a major or minor burn?

Call 911 or seek immediate care for major burns, which:

• Are deep
• Cause the skin to be dry and leathery
• May appear charred or have patches of white, brown or black
• Are larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) in diameter or cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint

A minor burn that doesn't require emergency care may involve:

• Superficial redness similar to a sunburn
• Pain
• Blisters
• An area no larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) in diameter