Common questions about burns and scalds
Should I put my child’s burn under cool water or take them straight to the hospital?
It is important to cool the burn as soon as possible, as this helps reduce pain and will limit further burn damage. If your child has a more serious burn, continue running the burn under cool water for 20 minutes before taking your child to the hospital unless they are too distressed. Try to call an ambulance (000) while you are cooling a severe burn.
Should I put a burn cream from the pharmacy on my child’s burn?
The most important immediate treatment for most burns is cool, running water for 20 minutes. It is best to avoid putting any creams on moderate or severe burns without advice from a medical professional. Your child's doctor or nurse will recommend any products that may help their burn.
Do all burns need to be covered?
Mild burns that do not need treatment from a doctor may not need to be covered or ‘dressed,’ but a simple non-stick dressing may make your child more comfortable while they heal. Most burns that need treatment will be covered with dressings – in many cases, you can keep these on your child for up to a week to help with healing and discomfort.
Can burns get infected?
Skin helps prevent infection. However, burns make the skin weaker, so some may get infected. Thankfully, this is uncommon. It is normal for burns to look red and angry, but this does not mean they are infected. Most burn dressings help protect against infection while the skin heals. When your child has a healing burn, watch for signs of infection like increasing pain, pus or fever (temperature of 38°C or more) and speak to a doctor if you are worried.
I have heard burns described as ‘first, second or third degree.’ What does this mean?
The terms ‘first, second or third degree’ are not used to describe burns in Australia; however, you may still see them in used in other countries. Burns in Australia are usually described based on the layers of skin that are injured. The most superficial burn (first degree) is an injury to the top layer of skin called the ‘epidermis.’ Sunburn is usually a superficial burn. A partial-thickness burn (second degree) is an injury to the second layer of skin called the ‘dermis.’ Hot water scalds are common partial-thickness burns. Finally, a full-thickness burn (third degree) is an injury to all layers of skin and nerve endings, and possibly some structures underneath like fat or muscle. Flame and treadmill running belt burns are often full-thickness burns.
What should I do if my child has a chemical burn?
All chemical burns should be washed out (irrigated) with large amounts of water. If your child burns themselves with chemicals in or near their eyes, wash the area with water or saline solution as much as you can before taking them to the nearest hospital.
Should I keep my child home from childcare or school when they have a healing burn?
The size and location of your child’s burn will impact their recovery time and when they can return to normal activities. It is safe for your child to go to childcare or school with a healing burn if they are not in too much pain, and you are confident the educators can help them keep their dressings dry and intact. Your child should avoid sandpits or water play while they still have dressings on.