Burns and Scalds in Kids: First Aid and How to Prevent Them

How burns happen at this age

• Scalds from hot liquids are the most common burn in babies and toddlers: a cup of coffee pulled off a table, a pot handle within reach, bath water that's too hot, or microwaved food.
• Contact burns come from oven doors, glass-front gas fireplaces, irons, hair tools, grills, campfire embers, and metal slides or car seat buckles that sat in the sun.
• Young skin is thinner than adult skin and burns deeper, faster, at the same temperature.

First aid, step by step

1. Move your child away from the source and take off clothing and jewelry near the burn, unless it's stuck to the skin.
2. Cool the burn under cool (not ice-cold) running water for about 20 minutes. Keep the rest of your child warm with a towel or blanket.
3. Cover loosely with a clean, nonstick dressing or plastic wrap laid flat (not wrapped tight).
4. Offer comfort. Pain medicine dosed by weight can help; see the medicine safety guide.

What not to do

• No ice, butter, oil, toothpaste or home remedies. They trap heat or raise infection risk.
• Don't pop blisters; they protect the skin underneath.
• Don't put fluffy cotton directly on the burn; fibers stick.

Which burns need a doctor

• Larger than your child's palm, or any burn that blisters in a baby.
• Burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals or over a joint.
• Burns that look white, leathery, waxy or charred, or that don't hurt (they may be deep).
• Any electrical or chemical burn. For chemicals, rinse with lots of water and call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).
• Small burns can be cared for at home: keep them clean, use petroleum jelly and a light bandage, and watch for spreading redness, pus or fever.

Prevention that works

• Set the water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower. Test bath water with your wrist or a bath thermometer; aim for about 100°F (38°C).
• No hot drinks while holding a child, and keep mugs away from table edges. Skip tablecloths toddlers can pull.
• Cook on back burners with handles turned in. Create a "no-go" zone around the stove and oven.
• Stir and test microwaved food; it heats unevenly. Never warm a bottle in the microwave.
• Gate or guard fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters, and remember glass fronts stay hot long after the flame is off.
• Keep lighters and matches locked up. Put cordless hair tools and irons away while still cooling.
• Smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas; test them monthly and practice a family escape plan.

When to check in

• See the pediatrician or urgent care the same day for any burn on the list above.
• Bring up slow-healing or itchy scars at a follow-up visit.
• If a burn is large or deep, involves the airway or smoke, or came from electricity, call 911.