Burns in children. How do we protect our child?

Burns are some of the most common injuries in children. Curiosity about the world, inexperience and a natural inclination to explore make toddlers especially vulnerable to contact with hot objects, liquids or chemicals. In this article, you’ll learn how to prevent burns in children, how to recognize their severity, and how to provide first aid in case of an accident.

Why are children more vulnerable to burns?

A child’s skin is thinner and more delicate than an adult’s, so burns in the youngest are slower to heal and more likely to leave scars. In addition, children have less awareness of risks and a limited ability to react in dangerous situations.

The most common causes of burns in children:

• Hot liquids: Boiling water, hot coffee, tea, soup – these are the most common sources of thermal burns in children. Toddlers often reach for cups of hot drinks standing on the table or kitchen counter, pulling at tablecloths on which dishes with hot contents stand.
• Hot objects: Irons, ovens, heaters, pots – contact with heated surfaces can cause serious burns.
• Fire: Lighters, matches, campfires, fireplaces – pose a danger, especially to curious toddlers.
• Chemicals: Cleaning agents, detergents, acids, alkalis – can cause chemical burns.
• Electricity: Contact with electrical outlets, damaged wires or electrical appliances.
• Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection can lead to sunburn.

Degrees of burns: How to recognize them?

• First-degree burn: involves only the epidermis. The skin is red, painful, and there may be slight swelling. Healing usually takes several days.
• Second-degree burn: involves the epidermis and part of the dermis. Blisters filled with serous fluid appear, the skin is red, painful and swollen. It takes about 2 weeks to heal and may leave scars.
• Third-degree burn: involves all layers of the skin. The skin is pale, whitish or brown, dry, and may be insensitive to touch. Requires specialized treatment and often leaves scars.

First aid for burns in children:

1. Secure the scene: Move the child away from the source of the burn. Make sure there is no further danger.
2. Cool the burned area: Pour cold running water over the burned area for about 15-20 minutes. Do not use ice or cold compresses!
3. Remove jewelry and clothing: If possible, remove jewelry and clothing from the burned area before swelling appears.
4. Apply a sterile dressing: Cover the burned area with a sterile dressing. Do not apply ointments or creams!
5. Report to a doctor: For second- and third-degree burns, burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or burns of a large area, seek immediate medical attention or call an ambulance.

How to prevent burns in children?

Preventing burns in children is all about education and providing a safe environment. Here are some practical tips:

Kitchen:

• Cook on the back burners of the stove: Pots with hot contents should always stand on the back burners, with the handles facing backward.
• Use oven protections: Secure the stove with special covers that will prevent your child from reaching hot pots.
• Don’t hold your baby in your arms while cooking: Carrying your baby while cooking increases the risk of being burned by hot liquid or coming into contact with a hot pot.
• Keep hot liquids out of your child’s reach: Don’t leave cups of hot drinks on the edge of the table or kitchen counter.
• Teach your child kitchen safety rules: Explain to your child that the stove and pots are hot and should not be touched.

Bathroom:

• Check the water temperature before bathing your baby: Always check the water temperature with your elbow before putting your baby in the tub.
• Set the temperature of the water heater to a maximum of 49°C: This will prevent your child from being scalded if he turns on the hot water by himself.
• Keep cosmetics and cleaning products out of the child’s reach: Keep cosmetics and cleaning products in locked cabinets.

Home:

• Secure electrical outlets: Use special plugs for electrical outlets to prevent your child from coming into contact with electricity.
• Hide electrical cables: Arrange electrical cables so that a child cannot trip over them or pull on them.
• Secure the iron and other hot appliances: Keep the iron and other hot appliances out of the child’s reach.
• Teach your child to be cautious of fire: Explain to your child that fire is dangerous and not to play with it.
• Use sunscreen: Protect your baby’s skin from sunburn by using sunscreens.

Remember!

• Never leave your child alone at home.
• Regularly check the technical condition of electrical equipment.
• Teach your child safety rules from an early age.

Burns in children are a serious problem, but by following the above tips, you can effectively reduce the risk of an accident. Remember that keeping your child safe is your priority.