What's New - Burns and Scalds   Burns and Scalds   Burns happen when your child’s skin is exposed to something hot, like fire or sun; they can also be burned by certain chemicals, electricity and friction. Scalds are caused by wet heat, like steam and are treated the same as burns. Burns are categorized depending on the depth of the burn: • Superficial Burns (1st degree) affect the top lay of skin (epidermis) making it red and painful. • Partial Burns (2nd degree) damages the top and middle layers (epidermis and dermis) causing the skin to durn dark red, swollen and blister. • Full thickness (3rd degree) involves the subcutis layers as well. The skin becomes white or charred, there is little to no pain as the nerve endings are destroyed. How do I treat hot water (minor) burns? • Remove any clothes that wet as they retain the heat, but if the clothes are already stuck to the skin leave them, as you will damage the skin. • Plenty of cool water, not COLD poured over the area, not directly on the burn but across the affected area. • For at least 20-30 minutes; if the burn still burns keep going with the COOL water. • DO NOT use ice water, oils or butter • Give some pain relief as the burns hurt. • Once the burning stops, don’t let the child get cold. • Cover the burn with clingfilm as this does not stick and put clothes back onto child. • Cover that with a damp tea towel. • Be careful of ice packs direct on skin as that can burn also. How do I treat my child after an electrical shock? • Do not endanger yourself and make sure the power source is switched off. • Use a wooden stick, like a chair leg to ground the shock, to help part the child from the source. • Or use the back of your hand to bat them apart, never grab as the current could pass to you. • Check for entry wound, come to A&E, if concerned and we can check the child for further injuries. How do I treat chemical burns (old batteries or cleaning fluids)? • Remove any affected clothes or jewellery • Wear gloves or avoid direct contact when assisting your child • If a powder, brush off carefully away from eyes or face • For liquids, rinse thoroughly • Then cover with clean dry dressing, clean (washed/ironed) tea-towels are good as they are clean to your household. NEVER • Burst blisters as they keep the area sterile and protected • Apply creams, ointments, oils, grease, etc. (The exception is for mild sunburn. A moisturiser cream or calamine lotion may help to soothe this.) • Put on an adhesive, sticky, or fluffy dressing. Preventing scalds and burns • Keep young children out of the kitchen unless they are fully supervised • Be wary of children playing near ovens or washing machines as they can become hot enough to burn a young child • Use the back rings of cookers when possible and turn pan handles towards the back and away from where a child may reach and grab • Never drink hot drinks with a baby or child in your lap • Never let a child drink a hot drink through a straw • Never heat up a baby's milk in a microwave. It may heat the milk unevenly, and some parts may become very hot. Stir baby food well if using a microwave • Put cold water in the bath or sink first, and then bring up the temperature with hot water • Do not set the thermostat for hot water too high in case children turn on the hot tap • Teach older children how to boil kettles and how to use the cooker safely. There is no right age for this. Every child is different. However, it is important to teach them correctly when the time is right rather than let them experiment and find out for themselves Preventing fires • Fit smoke alarms in every floor of the home and check them regularly • Use fireguards for fires and heaters. Do not dry or air clothes on fireguards • Shut all doors at night. This prevents any fire from spreading • Store matches away from children. Teach older children how to use matches correctly and safely. Do not just let them experiment and find out for themselves • Have a fire blanket in the kitchen • Do not leave chip pans unattended, and they should never be more than a third full with oil Preventing sunburn • Keep children out of hot sun, particularly between 11am and 3pm • When out in the sun remember: Slip, Slap, Slop - slip on a shirt, slap on a hat, and slop on some high protection sunscreen     Return To Previous Page