Infant burns. Treatments and care

Burns are one of the most common childhood accidents in the home. They pose a risk to children when, due to their age, they do not take precautions to avoid burning when washing with too hot water or spilling the soup plate. Babies and children are more vulnerable to scalds caused by water and hot l

Burns are one of the most common childhood accidents in the home. They pose a risk to children when, due to their age, they do not take precautions to avoid burning when washing with too hot water or spilling the soup plate.

Babies and children are more vulnerable to scalds caused by water and hot liquids. However, these burns, considered mild, do not represent a serious problem and it is possible to treat them safely in the home. In contrast, more severe second or third degree burns require medical attention.

How are childhood burns treated? Before acting, it is advisable to determine before what type of burn we are to apply the most appropriate treatment.

Surface or first degree burn.

It is the most common among children and the first thing to do is submerge the burn in cold water, never in ice water. It is also not advisable to apply ice directly on the burn, toothpaste, butter or oil because it could cause more damage to the skin. After cooling the burn, apply a cream with aloe vera or a special cream for burns with antibiotic. Ibuprofen or paracetamol taken orally can help to alleviate the child's pain. If the first or second degree burn is on the child's face, hands, feet or genitals, take it to the doctor right away .Second degree burn.
First, immerse the burn in cold water for 15 minutes. Then, apply an antibiotic cream and cover the burn with a non-stick dressing by securing it with gauze or tape. Change the dressing every day and take the opportunity to check the burn for signs of infection such as redness, swelling or pus. To change the dressing, make sure you have clean hands, then wash the burn and apply an antibiotic cream. To prevent infection, prevent the child from trying to burst the blisters, keep his nails short and try not to scratch around the burned area. The burned area will be sensitive to sunlight for one year.Third degree burn.

It is the most serious burn and needs medical assistance. Do not remove the burned clothes that are stuck to the skin or immerse the burn in water. Go to the Emergency immediately. Electric burns and children

Electricity burns , which occur when a child, for example, puts his fingers in a socket or burns with a light wire, often cause serious injuries inside the body. The lesions are not appreciated, therefore, on the skin and, for this reason, the child must be taken immediately to the doctor or call for healthcare. In the meantime, there are several things you should keep in mind: Antes 1. Before attending to the child and touching him, make sure he is no longer in contact with the source of electricity because, otherwise, you will also suffer the electric shock.

2. Wash the burned area with plenty of running water for at least 5 minutes.

3. Do not remove the burned clothes from the child in case it is stuck to the skin. Infant burns due to chemical substancesWhen chemical burns have occurred in children's mouths or eyes, they require immediate evaluation by the doctor, after washing thoroughly with water.

If the child has ingested the product

it is likely that the burns are serious because of possible damage to the internal organs of the child and you should take your child to the emergency room. It will be very helpful to know what type of chemical the child ingested or was exposed to. Symptoms may vary, depending on the type and severity of the burn, and may include abdominal pain.

If instead of a chemical substance, the child has swallowed a dangerous object (such as a watch battery), take your child to the ER as well.

A burn by a chemical should be washed with large amounts of water and never put anything in the burned area because it could trigger a chemical reaction in the area that could make the burn worse. Likewise, it is advisable to remove the child's clothing impregnated with the substance as soon as possible and put it under the shower so that the water removes any residue that may remain on the skin.