What is burns?

The seriousness of a burn is determined by:

• The depth of the burn (first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree).
  • First-degree burns are burns of the first layer of skin.
  • Second-degree burns. There are two types of second-degree burns:
    • Superficial partial-thickness burns injure the first and second layers of skin.
    • Deep partial-thickness burns injure deeper skin layers.
  • Third-degree burns (full-thickness burns) injure all the skin layers and tissue under the skin. These burns always require medical treatment.
  • Fourth-degree burns extend through the skin to injure muscle, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. These burns always require medical treatment.
• The size of the burn.
• The cause (thermal, electrical, chemical, radiation, or friction).
• The part of the body where the burn occurred.
• The age and health of the burn victim.
• Other injuries.

• If your doctor told you how to care for your child's burn, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash the burn every day with a mild soap and water. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • Gently pat the burn dry after you wash it.
  • Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly on the burn.
  • You may cover the burn with a nonstick bandage. There are many bandage products available. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.
  • Replace the bandage as needed.
• Protect the burn while it is healing. Cover the burn if your child is going out in the cold or the sun.
  • Have your child wear long sleeves if the burn is on the hands or arms.
  • Have your child wear a hat if the burn is on the face.
  • Have your child wear socks and shoes if the burn is on the feet.
• Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics, give them to your child as directed. Do not stop giving them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Do not break blisters open. Broken blisters could get infected. If a blister breaks open by itself, blot up the liquid, and leave the skin that covered the blister. This helps protect the new skin.
• Teach your child to try not to scratch the burn. Talk to your doctor about what to use on the burn for itching.