It depends how serious the burn is. A simple first degree burn usually heals by itself, if kept clean and clear from infection. Using a dressing developed for burns is a good idea if the burn has caused the skin to break or is over a reasonably large area of skin.
More serious burns need expert medical attention. Very bad third degree burns that cover 80% of the body used to be fatal very quickly because they caused a lot of fluid to be lost from the body, causing severe shock. Today, intense therapy and the use of synthetic skin can save people with such awful burns but they need months of skin grafts, rehabilitation and care and remain badly scarred for the rest of their lives.
More serious burns need expert medical attention. Very bad third degree burns that cover 80% of the body used to be fatal very quickly because they caused a lot of fluid to be lost from the body, causing severe shock. Today, intense therapy and the use of synthetic skin can save people with such awful burns but they need months of skin grafts, rehabilitation and care and remain badly scarred for the rest of their lives.