How to Handle Summertime Burns
Warmer weather means kids get the chance to play outside. And while it’s great to let them loose on the playground, remember that the summer sun can be brutal. A recent article in CNN reported an Iowa toddler getting 2nd degree burns from a playground slide that was said to reach nearly 170 degrees.
This serves as a reminder to check all playground equipment before letting the kids play. But just in case, we thought it would beneficial to revisit info on how to handle first-, second- and third-degree burns.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the most mild of the burns and can be caused by spilled hot water or sunburn.
- Cool the burn with cool running water. (Avoid ice and ice water.)
- It’s acceptable to use aloe to soothe the burn, but don’t apply butter or oils.
- Loosely cover the burn with a clean gauze pad. (Avoid anything adhesive.)
- If you have permission from the parents, give ibuprofen (if older than 6 months of age) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to alleviate the child’s pain.
- Check the burn for infection every day.
Second- and Third-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns produce blisters, severe pain and redness, while third-degree burns can make the skin look waxy white, leathery, brown or charred.
- Cool the burn with running water.
- Leave blisters in tact until seen by a doctor (they act as a barrier to infection).
- Cover all burns with a clean bandage, and call the parents and doctor.
- If you have permission from the parents, give ibuprofen (if older than 6 months of age) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to alleviate the child’s pain.
- Check the burn for infection every day.
*A physician should evaluate all second- and third-degree burns.
[Image coursey of edwin.bautista on Flickr]
