Burns In Children: How To Treat Them?

In the case of burns in children, first of all you need to remove the child from the source of the burn. Then you need to cool and wash the wound with soap and water. If the burn is deep or extensive, you should take your child to the doctor.

Each of us has experienced burns at some point. However, you are probably wondering how burns should be treated in children . In addition to having an appropriately equipped first-aid kit, there are several steps you should take.

By reading today’s article, you will learn some basic tips on how to treat burns in children.

Burns

Burns are one of the most common home accidents. They most often affect housewives over 45, elderly people over 65 and children under five.

Therefore, it is important to know how to treat burns in children.

Types of burns

At the very beginning, it is necessary to learn to distinguish between the main types of burns. Depending on their size, you have to treat them in different ways.

First degree burns

Such burns only affect the epidermis – the top part of the skin. Although redness appears on the skin, there are no blisters. The most common example of such burns is sunburn.

Second degree burns

Such burns affect both the epidermis and the dermis. Therefore, in addition to reddening of the skin, blisters also appear. Second degree burns include classic burns with boiling fluids.

Third degree burns

Logically, these are the most dangerous burns. They affect all layers of the skin. They can even involve muscles, nerves, and bones. Third degree burns carbonize the skin and, of course, require immediate medical attention.

Burns in children

Child burns require immediate medical attention if they are extensive. In other words, if they touch more than 5% of the child’s body surface. Also, no matter what their area is, you must take your child to the doctor if they have second or third degree burns.

However, some burns, due to their location, should be examined by a doctor, even if they are small. This is the case when:

• Burns to the face, hands or feet.
• Burns that cover the joints.
• If your baby has been in contact with high voltage electricity.
• If your baby has inhaled gas.

How to treat burns in children

Some of the hints below may seem obvious, but there are a few you might not know about. They are worth getting acquainted with because they are very useful and help in the best possible way to heal burns in children.

• First of all, move the child away from the source of the burn.
• Then remove the clothes or accessories, but only if they are not stuck to the skin. If it does, leave it alone as you can damage the skin by trying to rip it off.

• Then cool the scalded area. To do this, put it under running water for a few minutes. It should be emphasized that the water must be at a normal temperature and not cold. You can also dip the gauze pieces in water or saline and cover the burn with these compresses.
• In addition, clean the burn area thoroughly with soap and water.
• Depending on the severity of the burn, you may need to go to the doctor with your baby. In case of sunburn, you can apply moisturizing blood to the skin for several days. However, deeper burns require medical attention. In this case, the doctor may even prescribe an antibiotic ointment.

What not to do in case of burns in children

• First of all, you should not pour ice water on the burn or put ice on it. Doing so can do even more damage.

• If a blister appears, you must not pierce it. You should leave him alone because you could lead to an infection.
• Moreover, you should not give your baby antibiotics on your own. Moreover, they are not very suitable for treating burns.
• It’s also worth pointing out that you shouldn’t apply talcum powder, butter or toothpaste to the burn. Contrary to popular belief, applying these products can make the situation worse.
  
  If you do not want to worsen your condition, you should not pour ice cold water over the burn or brush it with toothpaste.

You should always remember that a baby’s skin is very delicate. Even if the burns are only of the first degree, in the case of acute or persistent pain, it is worth consulting a pediatrician to rule out serious health problems.

Moreover, always bet on prevention. While it is impossible to predict all accidents that may happen in a household, you can at least make every effort to reduce the risk of them occurring.