First-Degree Burn in Children

A burn is damage to tissues of the body caused by contact with things such as heat, radiation, or chemicals. A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).

The causes of a first-degree burn can include:

• A mild sunburn.
• Very hot water.
• A hot object, like a pot or pan.

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. Symptoms can include skin that is:

• Red.
• Dry.
• Peeling.
• Painful for 48 to 72 hours and then feels better.

The symptoms of a first-degree burn can be like other health conditions. If you have any question about the cause or severity of the symptoms, take your child to their doctor for a diagnosis.

The doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. The diagnosis of a first-degree burn is based on the signs and symptoms, and recent exposure to something that can cause a burn. This may be the sun, something hot, or a chemical.

Treatment will depend on your child's symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how much of the child's body is burned and how severe the condition is.

A first-degree burn usually heals on its own within a week. Treatment may include:

• A wet cloth soaked with cold water (cold compress) held to the skin to ease pain.
• Over-the-counter medicine for pain and swelling, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the label directions for how much to give and how often.
• Any other treatment advised by your child's doctor.

Do not apply butter, grease, or powder to the burn. First-degree burns are usually not bandaged.

Long-term tissue damage is rare and may be an increase or decrease in the skin color. In some cases, the area may become infected.

Some things you can do to help prevent burns include:

• Keep your child out of the sun. Use sunscreen when your child is old enough, usually at 6 months.
• Make sure hot water is set below 120°F (48.8°C).
• Put covers on electrical outlets.
• Make sure pot and pan handles are turned toward the back of the stove.
• Set up a “kid-free zone” in your kitchen. Teach children to stay at least 3 feet away from the cooking area.
• Teach older kids how to cook safely.
• Check bathwater temperature before placing a child in the water.
• When bathing children, place them facing away from the water faucet so they won't accidentally turn on the hot water.
• Be careful with hot drinks.
• Keep hot appliances in safe places, out of a child's reach, and unplugged when not in use. This includes toasters, irons, and hairstyling tools.
• Teach children never to play with matches and lighters. Keep these items out of reach of children.

Contact your child's doctor if:

• Your child has a fever.
• There is fluid leaking from the burn area.
• There is increased swelling or redness of the burn area.
• A large area of your child's body is burned.

• First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin.
• They may be caused by the sun, hot water, or hot objects.
• They are treated by applying a wet cloth soaked with cold water. Over-the-counter medicine for pain and swelling may be used.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child's doctor:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions the doctor gives you for your child.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your child's condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your child's doctor after office hours.