Content

• Steps

Have your children ever been burned? If so, it is most important to know how to assess the severity of the burn and then know how to properly handle it. Minor burns can be treated at home, while severe burns must be treated with medical attention. In case of danger, call an ambulance immediately.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Evaluate the burn

1. 

   Understand common causes of childhood burns. Fluids with a high temperature are often the cause of a child's burn; For example, the bath water is too hot or the child has their hands under hot, running water. Other causes of burns include:
   • Chemical burns (can be caused by paint thinner, gasoline and strong acid)
   • Burns caused by fire
   • Burns caused by steam
   • Burns caused by hot objects (such as hot metal or glass)
   • Burns caused by electricity
   • Burns caused by ultraviolet rays (from the sun or too long in a dyed bed
   • Abuse (especially in young children, which are presumed to be a potential burn hazard if the situation is suspected in a situation where the child was burned)

2. 

   
   
   Determine the severity of the burn. There are 3 "severity" of the burn - grade 1, level 2 and degree 3. Examine the area of ​​the burned skin to see which level and whether you need to take your child to the hospital.
   • Grade 1 burns affect the outer skin layer, causing pain, redness and / or swelling. In general, first degree burns are not of concern and do not require hospitalization.
   • Grade 2 burns affect the top layer of skin and some of the underlying skin. As a result, it will create blisters in addition to pain, redness, and swelling. Skin burns level 2 with the size of 5 - 7cm should be examined by a doctor immediately.
   • Grade 3 burns affect the entire skin layer. Skin will be white or black and may lose feeling. Burns of this degree always require professional medical attention.
   • The location of the burn is also important. Burns to the arms, legs, face, buttocks, or on the joints and / or external genitals are very serious and should be referred to hospital for treatment.

3. 

   
   
   Know when to go to the hospital. In the case of a severe burn, medical attention is very important so that the wound heals. Go to the hospital if you experience the following:
   • You think it was a degree 3 burn.
   • The burn surface is larger than or equal to children's hands.
   • It is a chemical or electrical burn.
   • Smoke is present at the time of the fire, so damage is caused by inhalation of the smoke.
   • Children have signs of shock. (Symptoms include: cognitive changes, pale skin, lightheadedness or fainting, poor health, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing). Call an ambulance when these symptoms appear.
   • Violence is suspected to be the cause of the burn.
   • If you are unsure about the condition of the burn, it's best to consult a doctor.
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Method 2 of 3: Apply home remedies

1. 

   
   
   Leave the burned area in cold water. If the burn is a minor burn, there is no need for urgent medical attention, let the child leave the burned area in cold water. Use cold water instead of an ice pack when dealing with burns, as ice can cause additional damage to the skin. If there are multiple burns, you can put your child in the bath to soak the entire area in cold water.
   • Leave the burned area in cold water for at least 5 minutes. Then, depending on the severity of the pain, the child will continue to soak in cold water or place a cold washcloth over the burn to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

2. 

   Reassure the child. Often when a child is burned, he will be very scared. Children are always afraid in all situations, even minor burns make them scared. Therefore, reassuring and encouraging children to stay calm and cope with the pain is a top priority.
   • For pain relief, you can give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) and / or ibuprofen (Advil). Both of these drugs are available over the counter and provide pain control and anti-inflammation.
   • Carefully read the directions for use of the drug on the package and should only be used "dosage for children".

3. 

   Gently clean the burned area. Before dressing the burn, be sure to wash it thoroughly with soap and water. In addition, always clean gently to avoid further damage to the burned skin.

4. 

   Be careful not to break the small blister. Blisters often appear when the skin is burned; however, don't try to break it, let it heal on its own. If the blister bursts on its own, clean it thoroughly with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment before dressing to prevent bacteria.
   • Do not use dry hand soap or harsh detergents and do not use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to wash the burned area.

5. 

   Apply moist ointment. After cooling the burned area, if the skin is not torn or there are no broken blisters, applying a moisturizing ointment also helps to soothe the skin. Aloe vera cream or gel has the ability to soothe burns. Use these products if available at home or if you can go to the store, buy them to use.

6. 

   Cover the burn with a sterile gauze pad. This protects the burn from environmental influences and helps the burn heal quickly. Remember to change the gauze once a day to keep the burn clean.
   • If the burn is a minor first degree burn and there is no tear in the skin, then you do not need a dressing.

7. 

   Review your child's last tetanus lapse injection. When there is an open wound, doctors often recommend examining tetanus vaccination. If a child has previously had tetanus vaccination, immunity will last for 10 years after the vaccination and the child will not need another during this time. However, if you are not sure if your baby has been vaccinated, or when, talk to your doctor about whether or not your baby needs the tetanus shot.
   • Many doctors recommend getting a tetanus shot 5 years from the previous shot and when your baby has a 2nd or 3rd degree burn.

8. 

   Advise your child not to scratch the burn. The burn can be itchy and scratched will lead to an open wound and increase the risk of infection. Explain to your child why they should not scratch and bandage the wound so they do not touch it. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Choosing medical care

1. 

   Go to the emergency room. In the event of a severe burn, smoke inhalation or burn from the fire, get the child to the emergency room as quickly as possible. This is a dangerous situation and requires immediate medical attention. For a less serious second degree burn, you can go to the nearest clinic.
   • If you suspect abuse is causing a child's burn, it is best to seek professional medical attention.If you are in the US and are unable to see your GP the day of the accident, go to the emergency room for a record of the injury and that information will be very important for investigating the true cause. burns in children.

2. 

   Stay hydrated. When there is a severe burn that requires medical attention, your doctor will recommend giving your child plenty of fluids while waiting for the burn to heal. Depending on the severity of the burn, it can dehydrate the body; therefore, drinking plenty of water or infusing sea water is essential in the wound healing process.

3. 

   Perform skin transplant if necessary. For serious burns, a cosmetic surgery method called a "skin transplant" (ie a few layers of skin will be applied to the burned area) to help the burn heal. This method should only be used for large and severe burns. advertisement