Protecting Your Kids from Burns (Part-2)

Burn injuries are divided into three categories: first-degree burns are the least serious and third-degree burns the worst. First-degree burns affect only the surface layer of skin and result in pain, redness and a small amount of swelling. Blisters do not usually form.

In the case of second-degree burns, skin under the surface layer is also damaged; there are blisters, severe pain and redness of the skin.

Third-degree burns involve damage to all the layers of skin from the surface down. The skin may look brown, leathery or charred, and it may have a waxy appearance. There is often little or no immediate pain because the nerves are badly damaged.

Immediate action for burns

The first thing to do for a burn injury is to bring down the temperature of the affected area of skin; this is to reduce damage to both the surface as well as underlying tissues. First-degree burns can normally be treated at home, but if in doubt, consult a doctor. To treat the injury, observe the following steps:

• Remove clothing from the affected part of the body.
• Run cool (not cold) water over the burnt skin or place a cold compress over it for about five minutes. Do not use ice as it could make the injury worse.
• Do not use home remedies like butter, grease etc. on the wound. These could inflame the skin and cause an infection.
• Apply aloe to the skin in the form of gel or cream. Repeat it every 4 to 6 hours.
• Cover the skin with a sterile gauze pad or bandage.
• If the pain is bad, give the child an age-appropriate dose of painkiller.

In the case of second- and third-degree burns, it is essential to call for emergency medical assistance. Until help arrives, do the following:

• Keep the child lying down with the burned area elevated.
• Remove clothing from the burned area. If clothing is stuck to the skin, try cutting it off; if that is too difficult or painful for the child to bear, wait for medical help to arrive.
• Remove any jewelry that may be on the body. The affected part of the body could swell and jewelry could cause additional injury.
• If blisters have formed, be careful not to break them.
• Run cool (not cold) water over the burned skin for 5 minutes and then gently cover it with a clean dry cloth; take care not to apply any pressure.

In the situation of exposure to open flame, roll the child on the ground until you put out the flames. If the burn is due to electricity, ensure that the child is no longer in contact with the electrical source before you give first aid. If the child is still in contact with a power line, you could yourself receive an electric shock and rendered unfit to help the child.

Accidents can happen, even when utmost precautions are taken. When they do happen, you should be able to deal with the situation quickly and effectively: that can make a world of difference to the severity of the burn injury and the time needed for recovery.

You as the parents, the babysitters you employ or the child care services with whom you entrust your child should all be not only well aware of how to deal with burn injuries, but should also be primed all the time to act promptly and appropriately.  There is no other better way to protect your kids from burn injuries.