When unprotected skin comes in contact with carpeting, hard wood or a urethane-coated substrate, friction between the two surfaces results in a floor burn. Although painful, most floor burns are minor and can be treated at home as a first-degree burn, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. First-degree burns are red, sting and may be extremely sensitive to touch, but rarely serious because only the epidermis or top layer of the skin is affected.
Step 1
Examine the burn carefully and remove any clothing or jewelry that may interfere with treating the injury.
Step 2
Rinse the burn with a stream of cool water for several minutes to relieve the pain and to clean off any dirt or residue from the area of contact.
Step 3
Avoid applying ice or a cold pack that touches the surface of the burn. If available, gently apply an antiseptic wash to remove any remaining soil and rinse again with clear water.
Step 4
Apply the gel from an aloe vera leaf or a 100 percent pure aloe vera gel to calm the inflammation, keep the burn moist and speed the healing time, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 5
Leave the burn uncovered or apply a loose wrap of a sterilized gauze bandage. If the floor burn remains painful or signs of infection appear, consult with a medical care provider for a professional diagnosis.
Tips and Warnings
- Always wear protective pads to cover the elbows, knees and other exposed skin before engaging in any indoor or outdoor sports activities.
- Due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome, children under the age of 18 should not take any product that contains aspirin as an ingredient.
Things You'll Need
- Antiseptic wash
- Aloe vera plant or 100 percent pure aloe vera gel
- Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen
