How to Deal with Burns and Scalds (9 to 30 Months) | NHS
Understanding Burns and Scalds
Burns and scalds are common injuries that can happen to young children, especially those aged 9 to 30 months as they begin to explore their environment. A burn is caused by dry heat, like a fire or iron, while a scald is caused by wet heat, such as hot water or steam. It’s crucial to respond quickly and correctly to minimize damage and aid healing.Initial Treatment Steps
1. **Cool the Burn**: Immediately place the burn or scald under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. This helps to reduce swelling and pain, and prevent further skin damage. Do not use ice, iced water, or greasy substances such as butter. 2. **Remove Clothing and Jewelry**: Carefully remove any clothing and jewelry around the affected area unless it is stuck to the skin. This helps to avoid additional injury and allows the skin to cool appropriately. 3. **Cover the Burn**: Once cooled, cover the burn with cling film, a clean, non-fluffy cloth, or a sterile dressing. This helps to keep the area clean and free from infection.When to Seek Medical Help
- **Severity**: If the burn is larger than the size of the child’s hand or affects sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals, seek immediate medical help. - **Blisters**: Do not burst any blisters that form. Burst blisters can become infected. Let a healthcare professional assess the situation. - **Pain Management**: If the child is in a lot of pain and you’ve administered appropriate child-strength painkillers but they are still in distress, get medical attention.Preventing Burns and Scalds
- **Keep Hot Liquids Out of Reach**: Always place hot drinks and pots out of reach of children. Use the back burners on stoves and turn pot handles away from the edge. - **Use Barriers**: Install safety gates in the kitchen and use fireguards around fireplaces and heaters. - **Check Water Temperature**: Before placing your child in the bath, always check the water temperature with your wrist or elbow to ensure it is not too hot.Aftercare and Monitoring
- **Check for Signs of Infection**: Keep an eye on the burn area for redness, swelling, pus, or increased pain, which could indicate infection. If you notice any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional. - **Keep the Area Clean and Dry**: Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider on dressing changes and maintaining cleanliness to prevent infection.Conclusion
Burns and scalds need prompt and appropriate action to ensure they heal properly with minimal complications. By following these steps, you can effectively manage a burn or scald and know when to seek professional help. Prevention is key, so take proactive measures to keep your child safe from potential hazards. For more detailed advice, always refer to the NHS guidelines or consult with a healthcare professional.Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after my child gets a burn or scald?
Cool the burn or scald with cold running water for at least 10 minutes. This helps to reduce pain and swelling.
Should I use ice to cool the burn or scald?
No, do not use ice as it can cause further damage to the skin. Use cool running water instead.
Can I use butter or cream on a burn or scald?
No, do not apply butter, creams, or any oily substances as these can cause infection and delay healing.
How do I protect the burn after cooling it?
Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth. Plastic cling film can also be used. This helps to protect the area from infection while keeping it clean.
When should I seek medical help for a burn or scald?
Seek medical help if the burn is larger than your child’s palm, affects their face, hands, feet, or groin, or shows signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.
Can I give my child pain relief for a burn or scald?
Yes, you can give appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen suitable for your child's age to help manage pain.
Should I remove clothing or jewellery from the burnt area?
Yes, remove any clothing or jewellery near the burn, unless it is stuck to the skin. This helps to prevent further damage.
What should I do if the burn blisters?
Do not burst any blisters, as this can lead to infection. Cover them with a sterile dressing and seek medical advice.
Is it okay to use antiseptic creams on burns?
Generally, it's best to avoid antiseptic creams unless advised by a healthcare professional, as these can sometimes cause irritation or reactions.
How can I prevent burns and scalds in young children?
Keep hot drinks, pans, and kettles out of reach, use the back burners of the stove, and never leave young children alone in the kitchen.
Are there special products to use on burns and scalds?
There are hydrogel dressings and other products available, but it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before using them.
How do I know if the burn needs urgent medical attention?
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if the burn is deep, larger than the size of your child's palm, causes white or charred skin, or has red, swollen edges spreading out.
Is it important to keep a burn or scalded area elevated?
Yes, keeping the affected area elevated can help reduce swelling and pain.
Can I use aloe vera on a burn or scald?
Although aloe vera is commonly used for burns, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before applying it, especially on children.
How do I care for a burn or scald while it’s healing?
Keep the area clean, replace dressings as needed, and watch for signs of infection. Avoid exposing the burn to the sun.
Useful Links
Useful links from: How to treat a scald burn
- NHS - Burns and Scalds Official NHS guidance on how to treat burns and scalds, including first aid advice and when to seek medical help.
- British Red Cross - First Aid Advice for Burns British Red Cross provides detailed first aid advice on treating burns, including scalds, with step-by-step instructions.
- St John Ambulance - Burns and Scalds Treatment St John Ambulance offers comprehensive guidelines on how to administer first aid to someone who has suffered from a burn or scald.
- Children's Burns Trust The Children's Burns Trust provides resources focused on burn prevention and first aid, including specific advice for treating scalds in children.
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.