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Burns

Description

A burn is a heat injury to the skin.

Burns are classified as:

  • 1st degree - reddened skin without blisters.
  • 2nd degree - reddened skin with blisters (heals from the bottom up, not from the edges, takes 2 to 3 weeks to heal). Small closed blisters contain protective chemicals, serve as a dressing and reduce pain.
  • 3rd degree - deep burns with white or charred skin. Skin sensation is absent. Usually needs a skin graft to prevent bad scarring if it is larger than a quarter (1 inch) in size (heals from the edges).

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one)

When to Call Your Doctor for Burns

Call 911 Now If:

  • 3rd degree or large 2nd degree burn
  • Difficulty breathing with burn to the face

First Aid for Burns from Heat

Immediately (don't take time to remove clothing) put the burned part in cold tap water or pour cold water over it for 10 minutes.

For burns on the face, apply a cold wet washcloth. (Reason: lessen the depth of the burn and relieve pain)

First Aid for Burns from Chemicals

  • Remove any contaminated clothing
  • Flush the chemical off the skin with warm water for 10 minutes
  • For large areas, use a shower

Call Your Doctor Now If:

  • You think your child has a serious burn
  • Blister is present. (EXCEPTION: small closed blister < ½ inch size)
  • Eye or eyelid burn
  • Center of the burn is white or charred
  • Electrical current burn
  • Explosion or gun powder caused the burn
  • Acid or alkali burn (First aid: flush with tap water for 10 minutes)
  • Chemical on skin that causes a blister (First aid: flush with tap water for 10 minutes)
  • House fire burn
  • Burn looks infected

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

  • You think your child needs to be seen

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

(For 1st degree burns or small blisters)

Pain Medicine

For pain, apply cold compresses and take acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) every 4 hours or ibuprofen every 6 hours.

Cleansing

Wash the area gently with warm water. Avoid soap unless the burn is dirty. (Reason: soaps can slow healing).

Blisters

Don't open any small closed blisters - the outer skin protects the burn from infection.

Antibiotic Ointment

For open burns, apply an antibiotic ointment (OTC) and cover it with a Band-Aid. Change the dressing every other day. Use warm water and 1 or 2 gentle wipes with a wet washcloth to remove any surface debris.

Expected Course

It will probably hurt for 2 days and peel like a sunburn in about a week. Fortunately, first- and second-degree burns don't leave scars.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • Severe pain persists > 2 hours after giving pain medicine
  • Burn starts to look infected (pus, red streaks, increased tenderness)
  • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms

Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright 2000-2006.