BURNS-CHILDREN

Burns


A burn occurs when the skin comes in contact with anything hot.

Sources of Burns:

Sun

Fire

Matches

Heaters—electric, kerosene, radiators

Curling rods or rollers

Hot plates

Chemicals

Should My Child See A Doctor?

A burn can also occur on the lining of the nose and the air passages of the lungs when the child breathes in hot smoke or fumes. These are called inhalation burns and need immediate attention by a doctor.

What Do I Do?

Skin burns can be cared for at home if the skin is pink or reddened with no blisters (bubbles). For this type of skin burn:

Immediately put the area in cold water to stop further burning.

Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.

Watch the area for blistering (bubbling).

Skin burns that form blisters (bubbles) or cause the skin to be open and blackened need to be seen by a doctor immediately.

If the area of the burn is small:

Cover the area with a clean cloth.

Take the child to the emergency department.

If the area of the burn is large:

Immediately call "911" for help.

Cover the child with a clean sheet or cloth.

Do not move the child unless there is further danger.

Give acetaminophen (Infants' or Children's Tylenol®) for pain.

What Shouldn't I Do?

Do not use butter or oil on burns.

Do not break the blisters on the burn.

Do not treat burns with blisters at home.

Could It Be Prevented?

Keep matches in a high, safe place.

Turn pot handles toward the center of the stove.

Keep children away from kerosene heaters, radiators and open fires.

Do not leave young children alone in your home.

Use a cool mist vaporizer rather than a steam vaporizer.

Teach your child the word "hot" and what things are hot.

Important: If your child is setting fires, seek your doctor's help.