First-Degree Burn in Children
What is a first-degree burn?
A burn is damage to tissues of the body caused by contact with things such as heat,
radiation, or chemicals. A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of skin
(epidermis).
What causes a first-degree burn in a child?
The causes of a first-degree burn can include:
What are the symptoms of a first-degree burn in a child?
Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. Symptoms can include skin that
is:
The symptoms of a first-degree burn can be like other health conditions. If you have
any question about the cause or severity of the symptoms, take your child to their
healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is a first-degree burn diagnosed in a child?
The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They
will give your child a physical exam. The diagnosis of a first-degree burn is based
on the signs and symptoms, and recent exposure to something that can cause a burn.
This may be the sun, something hot, or a chemical.
How is a first-degree burn treated in a child?
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also
depend on how much of the child's body is burned and how severe the condition is.
A first-degree burn usually heals on its own within a week. Treatment may include:
-
A wet cloth soaked with cold water (cold compress) held to the skin, to ease pain
-
Do not apply butter, grease, or powder to the burn.
-
Over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for pain and swelling,
Follow the label directions for how much to give and how often.
-
Any other treatment advised by your child’s healthcare provider
First-degree burns are usually not bandaged.
What are possible complications of a first-degree burn in a child?
Long-term tissue damage is rare and may be an increase or decrease in the skin color.
In some cases, the area may become infected.
What can I do to prevent a first-degree burn in my child?
The following are some of ways to prevent burns in children:
-
Keep your child out of the sun. Use sunscreen when your child is old enough, usually
at 6 months.
-
Make sure hot water is set below 120°F (48.8°C).
-
Put covers on electrical outlets.
-
Make sure pot and pan handles are turned toward the back of the stove.
-
Set up a “kid-free zone” in your kitchen. Teach children to stay at least 3 feet away
from the cooking area.
-
Teach older kids how to cook safely.
-
Check bathwater temperature before placing a child in the water.
-
When bathing children, place them facing away from the water faucet so they won’t
accidentally turn on the hot water.
-
Be careful with hot drinks.
-
Keep hot appliances in safe places, out of a child's reach, and unplugged when not
in use. This includes toasters, irons, and hair-styling tools.
-
Teach children never to play with matches and lighters and keep these items out of
reach of children.
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
Call your child's healthcare provider if:
-
Your child has a fever
-
There is fluid leaking from the burn area
-
There is increased swelling or redness of the burn area
-
A large area of your child's body is burned
Key points about a first-degree burn in children
-
First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin.
-
They may be caused by the sun, hot water, or hot objects.
-
They are treated by applying cold, like running water or a cold cloth, at first. Creams
or lotions may be applied.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
-
Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
-
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
-
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
-
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child.
Also know what the side effects are.
-
Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
-
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
-
Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
-
If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose
for that visit.
-
Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours.