We are not experts in first aid, this is just a guide from us to assist you, if you want to learn more about First Aid for Children you should contact your local health service and find out what courses are available in your area.

Treatment for Burns and Scalds

First of all, stay calm, your child will react to your expressions and concerns, they will be shocked and you will probably have made some form of quick instinctive reaction, such as "oh no what have you done". You need to think quickly and accurately and depending on the severity of the burn treat accordingly.

The treatment of burns will depend on their severity. Burns come in four stages, and we hope that the only one you will ever experience, if you have to experience them at all is the first one.

First Degree Burn

A first degree burn is limited to the outer layer of the skin, causing it to be dry, red and painful, but without blistering. A mild or moderate sunburn is an example of a first degree burn.

Second Degree Burn

A second degree, or partial thickness burn is more serious, and involves blistering of the skin. This type of burn is also painful, but unlike a first degree burn, the affected skin will likely appear to be moist.

Third Degree Burn

With a full thickness or third degree burn, all of the skin layers have been penetrated and the burned area will be white, charred, firm and leathery. A third degree burn also destroys nerve endings, so your child may not feel pain in the burned area.

Fourth Degree Burn

There are also fourth degree burns, which extend down to muscle and/or bone, but fortunately, these are rare.

Action

After your child has been removed from the source of the burn, if he has a minor burn, you should soak it in cold water for at least ten minutes, by placing it under running tap water or by covering the area with a cold, wet towel.

DO NOT immerse young children in cold water as this can cause hypothermia.

You should NOT put ice, butter, or any ointments on the burn and do not break any blisters that have formed.

If possible, remove burned clothing around the wound or cut it away. Next place a clean non-fluffy material to protect from infection, such as a clean sheet or pillow case. The dressing does not need to be secured.

DO NOT give your child anything to eat or drink and watch for signs of shock

Alternative dressings

To dress a burned hand or foot you can use a plastic bag or clean kitchen film, both of which will protect the burn from infection. Secure the bag with a bandage or plaster around the bag, not the skin.

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