Burns in children are a leading cause of injury, especially in toddlers. Most burns occur at home from hot liquids, steam, or contact with hot objects. Knowing how to treat burns and prevent them keeps your child safe.
Types of Burns
Burns are grouped by how deep they go:
First-degree burns: Only the top skin layer is affected. The skin turns red but does not blister. It may feel like a sunburn. These heal in 3 to 6 days.
Second-degree burns: The outer layer of the skin and some deeper layers are damaged. The burn is painful and develops blisters. Healing may take 1 to 3 weeks or longer.
Third-degree burns: All skin layers are damaged. The skin looks charred, white, or leathery. These need medical care and may need skin grafts.
Immediate Burns Treatment
Quick action is the best burns treatment as it reduces damage and pain.
Cool the Burn
Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 20 minutes. This stops the burning process and reduces pain and swelling. Do this within 20 minutes of injury. You can also soak a clean towel in cool water and place it on the burn. Never use ice, as it can damage tissue even more. For large burns, avoid prolonged cooling, as it can cause hypothermia in children.
Remove Clothing and Jewellery
Remove clothing and jewellery from the burned area immediately, as burns can swell quickly. If clothing sticks to the skin, do not pull it off. Instead, cut around the burnt area and leave the stuck fabric in place.
Cover the Burn
Once the affected area has cooled, cover it loosely with a clean, dry bandage or cloth. This can help prevent any infection. If possible, use a non-stick gauze.
Give Pain Medicine
For children 6 months and older, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the dosing instructions as prescribed.
What Not to Do
Don't use butter, oil, or grease: They trap heat and can cause infection.
Don't break blisters: Blisters protect the burn. Breaking them increases infection risk.
Don't rub the burn: This worsens the injury.
Don't use ice or very cold water: it may cause further tissue damage.
Child Injury Care at Home
Minor first-degree burns and small second-degree burns without large blisters can be treated at home.
Keep it Clean
Wash the burn gently with mild soap and water. If mild soap isn't available, simply rinse the burn with water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Apply Ointment
Ask your doctor if you should use an antibiotic ointment. Only use creams for moderate or severe burns as directed by a doctor.
Change Bandages Daily
Use clean and non-stick bandages. While changing the dressings, check for any signs of infection.
Watch for Healing
Minor burns heal in 3 weeks. If healing takes longer, contact your doctor. The burn may scar if it's deep.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care right away if the burn:
Is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints
Is larger than 3 inches (about the size of your child's palm)
Has blisters larger than 2 inches
Looks deep or has charred skin
Was caused by chemicals or electricity
Shows signs of infection
Seek emergency care immediately if your child is having difficulty breathing or has other injuries, such as broken bones. Bring your child to the emergency room immediately if they have third-degree burns or if the burn occurs in an infant
Signs of Infection
Watch for these infection signs:
The skin surrounding the burn turns a deeper red or develops red streaks.
Swelling increases
The burn oozes thick yellow or green pus.
The burn feels warmer than the surrounding skin
Pain intensifies over time rather than improving
Your child develops a fever
If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor immediately. Infections require prompt antibiotic treatment.
Child Safety Tips to Prevent Burns
Most burns in children can be prevented with simple safety steps.
In the Kitchen
Keep hot drinks and food away from the table and counter edges
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove
Don't carry hot liquids while holding a child
Don't let young children play in the kitchen while cooking
Whenever possible, use the back burners to keep hot pots and pans out of children's reach.
About 75% of burns in young children are caused by hot liquids, steam, or hot tap water.
In the Bathroom
Test bathwater temperature before putting children in the tub
Set your water heater to 50°C (120°F) or lower
Never leave children alone in the bath
Around the House
Keep children away from space heaters, radiators, and fireplaces
Put candles and matches out of reach
Cover electrical outlets
Keep curling irons, hair straighteners, and other hot appliances away from children
Store chemicals and flammable materials in locked cabinets
General Safety
Install smoke alarms on every floor
Test smoke alarms monthly and change batteries yearly
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen
Teach children "stop, drop, and roll" if their clothes catch fire
Create and practice a fire escape plan
Tetanus Protection
If your child hasn't had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years and the burn is deep, they may need a booster. Get this within 48 hours of the injury.
Long-Term Care
Burns can have lasting effects beyond physical injury. Children may feel anxious about scarring or changes in appearance, while parents may experience guilt following the accident. Address these concerns with reassurance and support. Severe burns may need ongoing care, including physical therapy, surgery, and scar management. Follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor healing.
Conclusion
Prompt response and treatment are important for burns in children. Cool the burn with water for 20 minutes, remove jewellery, cover with a clean bandage, and give pain medicine. Minor burns can often heal at home with the right child injury care and timely first aid. See a doctor for burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, burns larger than 3 inches, or burns that show signs of infection. Prevent burns by keeping hot items out of reach of children, testing bathwater, and supervising children around heat sources.