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Treatment for Scalding Burns
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On a pain scale of one to ten, a small scrape or scratch might get a two or three. A good bruise might earn a four. And a scalding burn? That would definitely be a ten. Burns are some of the most common childhood accidents, whether they occur from really hot water or too much time spent in the sun.
Burns are generally classified by how badly skin is damaged. First-degree burns affect the top layer of skin and produce redness, pain and slight swelling. Second-degree burns involve more layers of skin and can result in blisters, redness and significant pain. Third-degree burns involve not only skin, but also underlying tissue. The affected area may feel numb or little pain due to nerve damage.
Some burns can be treated at home, but more severe burns require medical attention. If it is a minor burn, remove clothing from the affected area and run cool (not cold) water over the burn for several minutes. Do not use ice because that may prolong the healing process. Do not apply butter, grease or powder because that could increase the risk of infection. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze pad or bandage. If the burn area is less that the size of quarter, use cool compresses and a loose dressing for a day. You can apply an antibiotic cream as directed, but this is not necessary. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be given for pain.
Medical assistance is required for burns covering more than 10 percent of the body, chemical burns to the mouth or eyes (after being thoroughly flushed with water), electrical burns, and burns that look infected. Remove clothing and jewelry from the affected area if possible, do not break any blisters, keep your child lying down and elevate the affected area. Flush the burn with cool water and then cover with a clean white cloth until help arrives.
The best way to treat a burn is to prevent it. For more information, visit the KidsHealth website at www.kidshealth.org.
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