How to Treat a Burn from a Vape Pen | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Skin Burns

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Vaping burns are rare, but they can be serious, according to the FDA, especially if the device catches on fire while in the owners pocket. Heres what you should know if you get burned by a vape pen or e-cigarette.

Julie Ann Caffrey, D.O., M.S., assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery and director of the Burn Fellowship Program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, notes that vape burns are getting more attention among burn professionals. She adds that the injuries are probably underreported.

Caffrey says, The majority of patients that our team has seen with these types of injuries have been treated with local wound care. However, a smaller number have required surgery to heal their burn wounds, including surgical excision and skin grafting.

Vape burns can happen suddenly. For minor burns (those smaller than the size of a quarter), Caffrey suggests a cool compress (not ice). Then, each day, gently cleanse the area with mild soap and water and apply a layer of antibacterial (first aid) ointment and a clean, non-stick bandage.

Watch for signs of infection, such as fever, and call your doctor if you notice increasing redness, swelling or pain, or if there is a yellowish or foul-smelling discharge from the burn.

If a burn has the following features, Caffrey urges patients to seek medical help right away:

If youre with a person whos been burned and waiting for help:

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If your clothes catch fire, remember the STOP, DROP and ROLL rule: Smother flames as quickly as possible by dropping to the floor where you are, covering your face, and rolling over and over, focusing on the area thats burning.

Do not run or wave your arms, and dont wrap yourself up in anything that could catch fire.

If theres a fire extinguisher nearby, use it. Immediately cool the area with water and make sure the fire hasnt spread.

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How to Treat a Burn from a Vape Pen | Johns Hopkins Medicine