Hot tea, a scorching pan, the July sun \u2014 burns happen in an instant. The good news: the right first aid can reduce the consequences significantly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A child’s skin is thinner than an adult’s, so any external impact damages it deeper and faster. A small body loses heat and fluids more quickly, which means a higher risk of hypothermia and dehydration. A child’s immune system is also still developing, so infection can set in easily. Even a small burn on the hands, feet, neck or joints can leave rough scars, limit movement and affect growth. That’s why a doctor’s assessment is necessary even when the situation looks manageable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Thermal<\/strong> \u2014 the most common: boiling water, steam, hot objects, fire. The most important thing is to cool the burned area under cool running water for 15\u201320 minutes immediately (full first aid algorithm below).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Chemical<\/strong> \u2014 contact with acid, alkali or aggressive household chemicals. Don’t try to neutralise the chemical \u2014 rinse the burned area with plenty of cool running water for at least 15\u201320 minutes, then seek help.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sunburn<\/strong> \u2014 from UV radiation. Cool the skin with cool water, apply a soothing cream and move the child into the shade.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Electrical<\/strong> \u2014 the most deceptive: may look minor on the surface, but the damage is often deeper than it appears. Always requires a doctor’s assessment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To estimate the area: the child’s palm equals roughly 1% of their body surface. A burn covering 5\u20136 palms is an indication for urgent hospitalisation, even if it seems shallow.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Step 1.<\/strong> Stop contact with the source \u2014 move the child away from fire, a hot surface or chemicals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Step 2.<\/strong> If clothing is on fire \u2014 cover the child with a heavy cloth to cut off oxygen, or press them to the ground and roll. Use water only if the fire is small and the fabric is not synthetic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Step 3.<\/strong> Remove clothing and jewellery from the burned area. If fabric has stuck \u2014 don’t pull, carefully cut around it with scissors.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Step 4.<\/strong> Cool the burned area under cool running water for 15\u201320 minutes. The water must not be icy cold \u2014 a sudden temperature drop can cause vascular spasm. If the child is small, cool only the burned area and keep the rest of the body warm: the risk of hypothermia in young children is very high.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Step 5.<\/strong> Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or clean cotton cloth. Don’t use cotton wool as the fibres can stick to the wound.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Step 6.<\/strong> Give an age-appropriate pain reliever as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. If the burn is on an arm or leg, elevate the limb to reduce swelling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Call 999 \/ 911 \/ 112 if:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sources:<\/strong> HealthyChildren.org (AAP)<\/a> \u2014 First aid for Burns; NHS<\/a> \u2014 Burns and Scalds: Treatment.<\/p>\r\n\t\tHow to assess severity<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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\r\n Degree<\/strong><\/td>\r\n What happens<\/strong><\/td>\r\n Signs<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n 1st degree<\/td>\r\n Surface layer of skin affected<\/td>\r\n Redness and pain<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n 2nd degree<\/td>\r\n Full epidermis<\/td>\r\n Blisters with fluid<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n 3rd degree<\/td>\r\n All skin layers destroyed<\/td>\r\n White or black skin, no pain<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n First aid: step by step<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What not to do<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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When to call emergency services<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Burn prevention<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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