Symptoms
DEFINITION
- A burn is a heat (thermal), chemical or electrical injury to the skin
Severity of Burns:
- 1st degree - Reddened skin without blisters
- 2nd degree - Reddened skin with blisters (Heals from the bottom up, not from the edges. Takes 2 to 3 weeks.) Small closed blisters contain protective chemicals, serve as a dressing and reduce pain.
- 3rd degree - Deep burns with white or charred skin. Skin sensation is absent. Usually needs a skin graft to prevent bad scarring if it is larger than a quarter (1 inch) in size. (Heals from the edges)
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
First Aid Advice For Burns From Heat
- Immediately (don't take time to remove clothing) put the burned part in cold tap water or pour cold water over it for 10 minutes.
- For burns on the face, apply a cold wet washcloth. (Reason: lessen the depth of the burn and relieve pain).
First Aid Advice For Burns From Chemicals
- Remove any contaminated clothing.
- Flush the chemical off the skin with warm water for 10 minutes. For large areas, use a shower.
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Should I Call?
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
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- For all thermal or chemical burns, see FIRST AID
- Large 2nd or 3rd degree burn
- Difficulty breathing with burn to the face
- Difficult to awaken or acting confused
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Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
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- For all new thermal or chemical burns, see FIRST AID
- You think your child has a serious burn
- Blister is present (EXCEPTION: small closed blister less than ½ inch size)
- Eye or eyelid burn
- Burn completely circles an arm or leg
- Center of the burn is white or charred
- Electrical current burn
- Explosion or gun powder caused the burn
- Acid or alkali burn
- Chemical burn that causes a blister
- House fire burn
- Severe pain persists over 2 hours after pain medicine
- You think your child needs to be seen urgently
- Burn looks infected
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
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- You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
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- You have other questions or concerns
- Burn isn’t healed after 10 days
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Parent Care at Home If
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- Minor heat or chemical burn and you don't think your child needs to be seen
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Care at Home
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR 1ST DEGREE BURNS OR SMALL BLISTERS
- Pain Medicine: For pain, apply cold compresses and give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen for a few days.
- Cleansing: Wash the area gently with warm water. Avoid soap unless the burn is dirty. (Reason: Soaps can slow healing).
- Closed Blisters: Don't open any small closed blisters - the outer skin protects the burn from infection.
- Antibiotic Ointment:
- For any broken blisters, apply an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin (no prescription needed).
- Then cover it with a Band-Aid. Change the dressing every other day.
- Use warm water and 1 or 2 gentle wipes with a wet washcloth to remove any surface debris.
- Expected Course: It will probably hurt for 2 days and peel like a sunburn in about a week. Fortunately, first- and second-degree burns don't leave scars.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Severe pain persists over 2 hours after pain medicine given
- Burn starts to look infected (pus, red streaks, increased tenderness)
- Burn isn't healed after 10 days
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Photo Example
Burn - First Degree
The photo shows a 6 inch (15 cm) wide area of mild redness without blistering on the forearm. This thermal burn was caused by spilled hot water
First Aid Care Advice:
- Immediately put the burned part in cold tap water or pour cold water over it for 10 minutes or cover with a cold wet washcloth.
- Reason: This lessens the depth of the burn and relieves pain.
First Aid - Burn - Chemical
- Remove any contaminated clothing.
- Brush any dry chemical off the skin.
- Flush the chemical off the skin with warm water for 10 minutes.
- For large areas, use the shower.
First Aid - Burn - Thermal
- Immediately put the burned part in cold tap water or pour cool water over it for 10 minutes (Reason: lessen the depth of the burn and relieve the pain) .
- For burns on the face, apply a cold wet washcloth.
- Do this immediately (don't take time to remove clothing).
Note: A thermal burn is any burn caused by heat.
Source: LMS Inc.
Copyright 2000-2009. Self Care Decisions, LLC. Used by Permission.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. Clinical content review provided by Senior Reviewer and Healthpoint Medical Network.
Last Review Date: 6/1/2011
Last Revised: 8/1/2011
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Version Year: 2012
Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
