Minor burns in children are common and most often result from hot liquids, steam or burns from curling irons, toaster ovens or other household appliances. In cases of minor burns, home treatment is generally sufficient to reduce pain and prevent infection. Rapid treatment helps ensure a speedy recovery and reduces the likelihood of scarring. Severe burns in children require immediate medical attention.
Step 1
Assess the burn before administering any home treatment. If the skin shows any signs of blistering, looks white or if the burned area is larger than 3 inches in diameter, your child requires medical attention. If your child is less than 2 years old, he also requires medical attention. If you are unsure about the severity of the burn, call your pediatrician for advice or take your child to the emergency room.
Step 2
Apply a cool compress to the affected area of your child's body. If the burn is on a hand or foot, it may be easier to submerge the area in cool water for about 10 minutes. Do not apply compresses on broken, blistered or bleeding burns, and do not use ice or very cold water.
Step 3
Cover the burn with a triple antibiotic twice each day to prevent bacterial infection in the damaged skin. Keep the burn loosely covered with clean gauze.
Step 4
Apply 100 percent aloe vera gel to slightly burned skin to soothe the pain. Aloe vera gel is available at most pharmacies. If you have access to an aloe plant, slice off an outer leaf and apply the juice from directly from the plant.
Step 5
Change bandages at least twice each day, and more often if they become wet or soiled. When changing bandages, look for signs that the burn may be worsening and require medical care, such as bleeding, oozing or increased redness.
Step 6
Give your child ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Read package directions and give the appropriate dose for your child's weight and age. Do not give children aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal condition associated with aspirin use in children.
Tips and Warnings
- Cooling a burned area as quickly as possible is the most important step in treating a burn, according to AskDrSears.com. Immediately cooling the skin can minimize damage and significantly reduce the severity of the burn.
- Do not apply oil-based ointments or butter to burns. Doing so traps heat and increases the risk of infection.
Things You'll Need
- Cool compress
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Gauze pads
- Ibuprofen
- Aloe vera gel
