Burns are common injuries in young children. Burns damage the skin and underlying tissues. Minor burns usually heal in less than 1 week. But the skin may never go back to its natural color. Severe burns take longer to heal.
Your child’s burn has been checked by the health care provider. It may have been cleaned and covered with a bandage.
Home care
Follow your provider's guidelines when caring for your child at home
The provider may prescribe an antibiotic cream or ointment to prevent infection. The provider may also advise a pain medicine before a dressing change. Follow the provider’s directions for giving these medicines to your child.
If you need to change the bandage:
-
Follow the provider’s directions on when and how to change the bandage. Also follow any directions on how to care for the wound.
-
Remove a bandage that sticks to the skin by first soaking it in cool, clean running water.
-
Gently remove any adhesive by using mineral oil or petroleum jelly on a cotton ball. Children have sensitive skin that can be irritated by adhesive.
General care
-
Carefully wash your hands with soap and clean, running water before and after caring for the wound.
-
Check the wound often for signs of infection listed below.
-
Don’t put ice or cold water on the burn.
-
Dress your child in loose-fitting clothing.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s provider, or as advised. Call the provider if you see signs of scarring, or muscle spasms or tightening (contractures).
Special note to parents
Protect your child’s skin from direct sunlight when outdoors. Follow the provider’s advice on which sunscreen to use on your child. Providers often advise sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Put sunscreen on any exposed skin every 2 to 3 hours. Have your child stay in the shade, and wear long, loose-fitting clothing and a hat.
When to contact your child's doctor
Contact your child's provider right away if:
-
Your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider (see How to take a child's temperature, below).
-
The redness or swelling gets worse.
-
The pain gets worse. Babies may show pain by being fussy..
-
Foul-smelling fluid drains from the wound.
-
The wound doesn’t heal.
-
Your child scratches the wound or complains of itchiness.
-
Your child vomits.
-
Your child is not eating well.
How to take a child's temperature
Use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Don’t use a mercury thermometer. There are different kinds and uses of digital thermometers. They include:
-
Rectal. For children younger than 3 months, a rectal temperature is the most accurate.
-
Forehead (temporal). This works for children age 3 months and older. If a child under 3 months old has signs of illness, this can be used for a first pass. The provider may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
-
Ear (tympanic). Ear temperatures are accurate after 6 months of age, but not before.
-
Armpit (axillary). This is the least reliable but may be used for a first pass to check a child of any age with signs of illness. The provider may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
-
Mouth (oral). Don’t use a thermometer in your child’s mouth until they are at least 4 years old.
Use the rectal thermometer with care. Follow the product maker’s directions for correct use. Insert it gently. Label it and make sure it’s not used in the mouth. It may pass on germs from the stool. If you don’t feel OK using a rectal thermometer, ask the provider what type to use instead. When you talk with any provider about your child’s fever, tell them which type you used.
Below is when to call the provider if your child has a fever. Your child’s provider may give you different numbers. Follow their instructions.
When to call a provider about your child’s fever:
For a baby under 3 months old:
-
First, ask your child’s provider how you should take the temperature.
-
Rectal or forehead: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
-
Armpit: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher
-
A fever of ___________as advised by the provider
For a child age 3 months to 36 months (3 years):
-
Rectal or forehead: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
-
Ear (only for use over age 6 months): 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
-
A fever of ___________ as advised by the provider
In these cases:
-
Armpit temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher in a child of any age
-
Temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher in a child of any age
-
A fever of ___________ as advised by the provider
Featured in
