First Aid

A burn is caused by dry heat – by an iron, hair straighteners, or even a hot radiator. A scald is caused by something wet, such as a hot bath or cup of tea.

Burns can be very painful but remember, the amount of pain your child feels isn't always related to how serious the burn is. A very serious burn may cause:

• Red peeling skin
• Blisters
• Swelling
• White charred skin

How To treat a Burn

• First, move your child away from the heat source to stop the burning.
• Remove any clothing or jewellery that are near the burn, including babies' nappies. Don't move anything that's stuck to the skin.
• Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for at least 10 minutes. Don't use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances such as butter. Don't put your child in a cold bath.
• Cover the burn with a layer of cling film. A clean plastic bag could also be used for burns on the hand.
• Call (GP, 111, or 999) to seek medical advice if your child is under 5, or if you are worried.
• Make sure your child stays warm. You could use a blanket but take care not to rub it against the burnt area.
• Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain.
• If the face or eyes are burnt, sit up your child as much as possible. This helps to reduce swelling.