Minor Burns, Scalds, and Sunburn

When it comes to children, even minor burns, scalds, and sunburns can cause distress for both the child and their parents. Understanding the different types of burns, how they are classified, and the common causes can help you take the right steps in treating and preventing these injuries.

Contact the experts at Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates today in the Greater Houston area so that you can feel confident in managing these skin issues and knowing when to seek medical attention.

What Are the Different Types of Burns in Children?

Burns in children can vary significantly in severity and cause. The three most common types of burns are thermal burns, chemical burns, and sunburns.

Thermal Burns: These burns occur when a child comes into contact with something hot, such as a stove, an iron, or hot liquids like soup or coffee. Thermal burns can happen quickly, especially if the child is left unattended around hot drinks or surfaces.
Chemical Burns: These burns result from exposure to harmful substances like household cleaning products, certain plants, or even some medications. Chemical burns can be particularly dangerous because they may not always be immediately apparent, and the damage can continue long after the initial contact.
Sunburns: Sunburns are a form of radiation burn that occurs when a child’s skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun for too long without adequate protection. Although sunburns might seem less serious than other types of burns, repeated or severe sunburns in childhood can increase the risk of skin issues later in life, including skin cancer.

How Are Burns Classified?

Burns are classified into three degrees based on the depth and severity of the injury:

First-Degree Burns: These are the mildest type of burns, affecting only the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). The skin may appear red, swollen, and painful, but there are usually no blisters. First-degree burns generally heal within a few days to a week with proper care and do not typically cause permanent damage.
Second-Degree Burns: These burns extend beyond the epidermis into the second layer of skin (the dermis). Second-degree burns are more serious than first-degree burns and often result in blisters, severe pain, and swelling. These burns can take up to three hours or longer to develop fully and may require medical attention to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
Third-Degree Burns: The most severe type of burn, third-degree burns, affects all layers of the skin and can damage underlying tissues such as muscles and bones. The skin may appear white, charred, or leathery, and there may be little or no pain initially due to nerve damage. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention and often necessitate surgical intervention.

What Are the Common Causes of Burns and Scalds for Children?

Children are naturally curious and often unaware of the dangers around them. This curiosity, combined with their delicate skin, makes them particularly vulnerable to burn injuries. Here are some of the most common causes:

Hot Liquids and Hot Drinks: Scalds from hot liquids are one of the most common causes of burns in children. A cup of hot tea, coffee, or soup can cause serious injury if spilled on a child. These burns are often more severe in young children due to their thinner skin.
Kitchen Accidents: The kitchen is a high-risk area for burn injuries. Children can accidentally touch hot stoves, ovens, or pots, leading to thermal burns. Even the steam from a boiling pot or the heat from an open oven can cause burns.
Chemical Burns: Exposure to household chemicals, such as bleach, drain cleaners, or detergents, can lead to chemical burns. These burns may not always cause immediate pain but can result in serious damage if not treated promptly.
Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun without sunscreen or protective clothing can cause sunburn, especially during peak hours when UV rays are strongest. Sunburn can happen quickly and may not be noticeable until a few hours later, making it a sneaky but common cause of burns in children.

How to Treat Skin Burns in Children

The treatment for burns depends on the severity and type of burn. Here’s a guide on how to care for your child’s burn injuries:

First-Degree Burns: For minor burns, cool the affected area immediately by running it under cold water for at least 10-15 minutes. Avoid using ice, as this can cause further damage to the skin. After cooling, you can apply a soothing lotion or aloe vera gel to help relieve pain and prevent dryness. Keep the area clean and covered with a sterile bandage to protect it from infection.
Second-Degree Burns: For more severe burns, begin by cooling the burn with cold water, but do not use ice. Be cautious not to break any blisters, as this can increase the risk of infection. You may apply a clean, loose bandage to protect the burn. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort, but you should seek medical attention to ensure proper healing and to determine if further treatment is needed.
Third-Degree Burns: Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to treat these burns at home. While waiting for emergency services, make sure the child is safe, and try to keep them calm. Do not remove any clothing stuck to the burn, but ensure that any loose clothing is removed to prevent further injury. If possible, cover the burn with a clean cloth to protect it from infection.
Chemical Burns: If your child suffers from a chemical burn, rinse the area with cold water for at least 20 minutes to remove the chemical from the skin. Avoid using any creams or ointments unless directed by a healthcare professional. Seek medical attention immediately, as chemical burns can cause severe and lasting damage.
Sunburns: For sunburns, keep your child out of the sun and encourage them to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Cool the sunburned skin with cold water or a cool, damp cloth, and apply a moisturizing lotion or aloe vera to soothe the skin. Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce swelling and discomfort. For more severe sunburns, seek medical attention.

How to Prevent Burns and Scalds

Preventing burns and scalds is crucial to keeping your child safe. Here are some tips to help you protect your child from these injuries:

In the Kitchen: Always supervise your child in the kitchen and keep them away from hot surfaces, appliances, and liquids. Use the back burners on the stove and turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills. Keep hot drinks out of reach and avoid holding your child while carrying something hot.
Chemical Safety: Store all household chemicals, cleaning products, and medications out of reach of children. Ensure that these items are in child-proof containers and are clearly labeled. Educate your child about the dangers of these substances.
Sun Protection: Protect your child’s skin from the sun by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Dress your child in protective clothing, such as long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses, and encourage them to play in the shade, especially during peak sunlight hours.
Home Safety: Install safety gates around fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources. Ensure that your home’s hot water heater is set to a safe temperature (below 120°F) to prevent accidental scalds from hot water.

Personalized Care for Your Child's Skin Health

Minor burns, scalds, and sunburns are common but preventable injuries in children. By understanding the risks, taking preventive measures, and knowing how to treat burns properly, you can help protect your child from these painful experiences. However, if your child does experience a burn, it’s essential to assess the severity and seek medical attention if necessary.

At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, Texas, we’re here to help you keep your child safe and healthy. If your child has suffered a burn or you have concerns about their skin health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our experienced pediatric team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for your child’s skin issues. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your child’s well-being and peace of mind.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patti Savrick

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