Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

First Aid: Burns

First Aid

Scald burns from hot water and other liquids are the most common burns in early childhood. Because burns range from mild to life threatening, some can be treated at home, while others need emergency medical care.

What to Do

If your child is severely burned, call 911 right away. While you wait for help, begin these treatments:

  • Remove clothing from the burned areas, except clothing stuck to the skin.
  • Run cool (not cold) water over the burn until the pain eases.
  • Lightly apply a gauze bandage or a clean, soft cloth or towel.
  • If your child is awake and alert, offer ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.
  • Do not put any ointments, butter, or other treatments on the burn — these can make it worse.
  • Do not break any blisters that have formed.

Get Emergency Medical Care if:

  • The burned area is large (cover the area with a clean, soft cloth or towel).
  • The burns came from a fire, an electrical wire or socket, or chemicals.
  • The burn is on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals.
  • The burn looks infected while it is healing. Signs of infection include swelling, pus, or increasing redness or red streaking of the skin near the burn area.

Think Prevention!

  • Be careful when using candles, space heaters, and curling irons.
  • Keep children away from radiators.
  • Keep hot drinks out of young children's reach.
  • Check the temperature of bath water before putting a child in the tub.
  • Check smoke alarm batteries at least once a month.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
  • Don't let young children play in the kitchen while someone is cooking.

Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD
Date Reviewed: Feb 11, 2019

Lea este articulo en Español

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.