Nearly 40,000 children are hospitalized for burns each year in the United States, with half of these burns affecting infants and children under the age of four years, according to 2001 information from KeepKidsHealthy.com. Second-degree burns affect the top two layers of the skin, causing pain, swelling, redness and blisters, and giving the skin a moist or weepy appearance. While some cases of second degree burns in infants are manageable at home, your baby should be seen by a medical professional for evaluation and for treatment to prevent infection.
Step 1
Move the infant away from the source of heat and call emergency medical services as quickly as possible. Second-degree burns on an infant may be life threatening, especially if they cover a large portion of the body or affect breathing. Performing first aid while waiting for medical help to arrive can reduce the severity of burns and help prevent scarring and deformity, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Step 2
Remove any burned or hot clothing that is not stuck to the skin. If the clothing does not pull away from the skin easily, leave it in place.
Step 3
Immerse the burn in cool water or cover it with a cool, wet cloth. Leave the cool compress in place for 15 minutes. Do not pour very cold water onto the burn and do not apply ice to any burned areas. If the burn is chemical, wash the skin with soap and water.
Step 4
Cover the burned area with a dry, sterile gauze or cloth. Tape the edges so that the gauze remains over the area. Be very careful not to tape the gauze directly to the burned skin.
Step 5
Elevate the burned areas, if possible. In infants, this may be difficult to do unless only the arms or legs are affected. If the infant shows signs of shock, such as a weak pulse, lethargy and rapid heartbeat, lay him flat and elevate his feet. Cover him with a blanket or piece of clothing to keep him warm until help arrives.
Step 6
Apply no ointments, powders or greasy products to the burn unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional. BabyCenter cautions against breathing on, or touching, the burns, as this may introduce bacteria and lead to infection.
Step 7
Keep your hands off the burned area and avoid breaking blisters. Blisters work to protect the skin and should be left alone. If they break on their own, call the infant's pediatrician for advice on applying an antibacterial ointment or other medication.
Tips and Warnings
- To determine the total body surface area of a burn, compare the burned area to the size of the infant's palm. Each palm-sized area represents about one percent of the total body surface area, according to KeepKidsHealthy.com. Ask your infant's pediatrician about using ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.
- If signs of infection develop, such as increased redness, pain, swelling, odor, discharge or fever, consult your infant's doctor immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Sterile gauze
- Tape
