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Burns


Injury Definition


  • A burn is a heat injury to the skin. Burns are classified as:
     - 1st degree - reddened skin without blisters.
     - 2nd degree - reddened skin with blisters (takes 2 to 3 weeks to heal).
     - 3rd degree - deep burns with white or charred skin.  Skin sensation is absent. Usually needs a skin graft to prevent bad scarring if it is larger than a quarter (1 inch) in size.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

  • SUNBURN. (To go directly to this topic, click on the link following this document.)
    First Aid for Burns from Heat
    Immediately (don't take time to remove clothing) put the burned part in cold tap water or pour cold water over it for 10 minutes (reason: lessen the depth of the burn and relieve pain).
    First Aid for Burns from Chemicals

  • Remove any contaminated clothing.
  • Flush the chemical off the skin with warm water for 10 minutes.  For large areas, use a shower.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR BURNS

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If


  • Large 2nd or 3rd degree burn.
  • Difficulty breathing with burn to the face.

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You think your child has a serious burn.
  • Blister is present.  (EXCEPTION: small closed blister less than ½ inch size.)
  • Eye or eyelid burn.
  • Center of the burn is white or charred.
  • Electrical current burn.
  • Explosion or gun powder caused the burn.
  • Acid or alkali burn (first aid: flush with tap water for 10 minutes).
  • Chemical on skin that causes a blister (first aid: flush with tap water for 10 minutes).
  • House fire burn.
  • Burn looks infected.

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think your child needs to be seen.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

  • Mild heat or chemical burn and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR 1ST DEGREE BURNS OR SMALL BLISTERS

1.  Pain Medicine:  For pain, apply cold compresses and take acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) every 4 hours or ibuprofen every 6 hours.

2.  Cleansing:  Wash the area gently with an antibacterial liquid soap and water once a day.  

3.  Blisters:  Don't open any small closed blisters - the outer skin protects the burn from infection.

4.  Expected Course:  It will probably hurt for 2 days and peel like a sunburn in about a week.  Fortunately, first- and second-degree burns don't leave scars.

5.  Call Your Doctor If:

  • Severe pain persists for more than 2 hours after giving pain medicine.
  • Burn starts to look infected (pus, red streaks, increased tenderness).
  • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.


Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Pediatric HouseCall Online. Copyright © 2000-2003 Barton Schmitt, M.D.FAAP
Reviewed 8/2003
Revised 7/2002


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Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.


Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
725 Welch Road
Palo Alto, California 94304
(650) 497-8000


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