How To Help Others Who Suffer Burn Injury
Burns can result from electrical contact, hot objects, hot water and other liquids, fires, chemicals and sunburn. Things to consider for burns include the total amount of skin burned, depth (degree) and location of the burn and how the burn occurred.
BSTTWTranslationsNote: The larger the burn, the more severe. You should see your doctor if there are burns over 5 percent of the body. Burns over more than 10 percent of their body often require hospitalization.
How to tell what percent was burned: In older children and adults, each arm is about 9 percent and each leg 18 percent, the chest and back are 18 percent each, and the head and neck are 9 percent each. Also see Burn Percent Depth (Degree) of the burn. See Burn Degrees How the burn occurred can also influence the treatment your child receives.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR CHILD'S DOCTOR
Call immediately if:
- Second-degree burns cover more than 5 percent of the body surface.- Any third-degree burns are present. Burns of the hands, face, eyes, ears, feet or genital area.- Burns result from a fire in a closed space. Shortness of breath or rapid breathing.- Any Electrical Burns.- Burns caused from either acids or caustics or any Other medical problems exist.Call within a few hours if:
Second-degree burns cover less than 5 percent of the body surface First-degree burns cover more than 5 percent of the body surface Increasingly painful burns, with tenderness, redness or draining pus develops Tetanus immunization needs updating.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Remove clothing and apply cool water over the burn area using clean towels or cloths to reduce the amount of skin damage and pain (Do Not Remove clothing that is stuck to the burn, If clothing is stuck to the burn have it removed by a doctor). If the burn is totally first-degree, red and tender only, involves less than 10 percent of the surface area, this initial treatment is probably adequate.
Second-degree burns require more care. Blisters should be left intact. Remove the loose skin from broken blisters using clean tweezers - your doctor should handle this for large-area burns.
If the burn is a very small (1 to 4 percent) second-degree burn and does not require a doctor's visit, use an antibiotic ointment or cream or leave the wound open to the air. If prescribed by your doctor, use a special burn cream, Silvadene, and cover with a nonsticky dressing. Redress the burn in 24 hours and then every two to three days for a period of 10 to 14 days. If the bandage sticks, soak it in warm water before removing. While redressing, cleanse the surface with soap and water. Keep the dressing clean and dry. Elevate the extremity immediately to limit swelling and protect the area from further injury. Continue elevation for 24 to 48 hours or until you visit your child's doctor.
Treat tar burns by removing the tar with mineral oil and then treating as any other burn.
Electrical burns require evaluation by a doctor to determine the nature of the injury. Remove your child from the source, being careful to avoid electrical shock. If your child bites an electrical cord with a subsequent burn to the lip, your doctor should evaluate and watch the area closely.
Chemical burns initially require copious washing at the scene, usually before transport. Wash off or remove all contaminated clothing and rinse your child using a shower, hose or tub. Rinse eyes first if involved.
Prevention is the key to minimizing the frequency of burns. Protect fireplaces, heating devices and hot objects, hide matches, discard flammable liquids, turn down water heaters to 120 degrees, and be alert to potential accidents. Install early smoke detection devices and fire extinguishers in high-risk areas. Develop an escape plan and conduct drills.
