What to do if your child gets burned without panicking? (Burn Injuries) Let's find out for sure!

As parents, we feel so scared when our little ones have even the slightest accident. Burns, in particular, can easily happen at home, while playing. But don't be afraid. Today, we'll talk about what to do if you get a burn without panicking. If you know these things, you can save your child from a big accident.

Do you know what the main causes of burns are?

Simply put, a burn is damage to the skin or the tissues beneath it. There are several reasons why this can happen. Let's look at the main causes.

1. Thermal Burns

This is the most common type of burn we see. Think of it this way: if a cup of hot water or tea is spilled, if a hot dish falls on your body, or if hot oil is spilled while cooking, steam from a water heater, or an iron, these types of burns can occur. These can cause a sudden increase in the temperature of the skin , damaging the skin and the underlying tissues. This is especially important in homes with small children.

2. Radiation Burns

This is also something we see often. The best example is sunburn . That is, the skin is damaged by the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. This can happen if you go out in the sun without wearing sunscreen. Also, sometimes such burns can occur during radiation treatments such as X-rays, but it is very rare.

3. Chemical Burns

This is a bit dangerous. Because, if children unknowingly drink a harsh chemical at home, for example, something like toilet cleaner `(Drain cleaner)`, or swallow small batteries `(Button batteries),` burns like this can occur. Not only that, if something like bleach gets on the body or in the eyes, it can also cause burns there.

4. Electrical Burns

Electric shock can also cause burns. Small children can inadvertently chew on electrical cords or put their fingers or other objects into electrical outlets. This can be more harmful on the inside than it looks on the outside.

There are also types of burns - shall we get to know them?

When a burn occurs, it is very important to identify the exact nature of the burn. Only then can we provide the correct first aid. All burns need to be treated quickly. Because only then can we reduce the temperature of the burn and minimize the damage to the skin and underlying tissues.

First-degree (superficial) burns - like a minor burn?

These are usually the least severe type of burn , and only the top layer of skin is damaged.

• Symptoms: The burn area may be red, slightly painful, and slightly swollen. The skin may feel dry and may not blister .
• Time to heal:It usually heals in 3 to 6 days. Sometimes the skin over the burn may peel off in a day or two.

Second-Degree (Partial Thickness) Burns - This one is a bit harsh!

This burn is a little more serious than the first one. It damages the top layer of skin and part of the layer underneath.

• Symptoms: The burn area becomes red and blisters form . It can also be swollen and very painful. Sometimes these blisters burst, leaving the area moist and pink to dark red.
• Healing time: This varies depending on the severity of the burn. It can take about 3 weeks, sometimes longer.

Third/Fourth Degree (Full Thickness) Burns - This is serious!

These are the most severe types of burns . Sometimes called ``Third-degree burns'' or ``Fourth-degree burns'', they damage all layers of the skin, including the nerve endings (the ends of the nerves that carry sensation). They can also damage the underlying tissues.

• Symptoms: The burn area may appear dry, waxy white, leathery, brown, or crusty. The area may be painless at first, or it may feel numb because of nerve damage.
• Healing time: This also depends on the severity of the burn. Often, these types of burns require skin grafts. This means that healthy skin is taken from another part of the body and surgically grafted onto the burned area.

What do we do if we get burned? Don't worry, here's the fix!

Okay, now we know what types of burns are and how severe they can be. Now the most important thing is what to do if you get a burn.

When you need to see a doctor immediately!

In these cases, you should seek medical advice immediately without delay:

• If you think your child has suffered more than a superficial burn.
• If the burn is large (more than 2-3 inches wide), even if it looks like a minor burn. If a large area of ​​the body is burned, definitely seek medical attention. Do not apply wet cloths or ice, as these can lower the child's body temperature . Instead, cover the area with a clean, soft cloth or towel.
• The burn was caused by a fire, an electrical wire, an electrical socket, or a chemical substance.
• If the burn is on the face, scalp, hands, genital area, or the skin over a joint .
• Burnt placeIf it looks infected (swelling, pus- like discharge, increased redness, or red streaks around the wound).

Things you can do at home for a minor burn (superficial burn)

For a minor burn like this, you can do the following at home: 1. Remove the child from the heat: Remove the child from the source of the burn immediately. If there is clothing on the burn, carefully remove it. 2. Apply cool water: Apply cool water, not cold water, to the burn for about 3-5 minutes. If water is not available, you can use any cool liquid that you can drink. It is also good to have a clean, cold cloth. Never apply ice. This can further damage the injured skin. 3. Do not use home remedies: Do not apply things like butter, grease, powder, or any other "home remedies." These can make the burn deeper and increase the risk of infection. 4. Apply aloe vera: Apply aloe vera gel or cream to the burn. You can do this several times a day. 5. Pain medication: If your child is in pain, give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the label for how much to give and how often. 6. Keep the burn clean: Keep the burn clean. You can cover it with a sterile gauze pad or bandage for about 24 hours. However, do not use adhesive bandages on very young children, as they can become stuck in the throat if they come off.

What is done for significant (Partial Thickness) and severe (Full Thickness) burns?

For burns like this , you should call emergency medical care immediately. Follow these steps until help arrives: 1. Lay the child down: Lay the child down and keep the burned area elevated. 2. Follow the steps for first-degree burns: This means running cool water over the burn and removing any jewelry and clothing (unless it is stuck to the skin). If the clothing is difficult to remove, you may want to cut it off with scissors or wait until medical help arrives. 3. Do not break blisters: Never try to break a blister. 4. Apply cool water and cover: Apply cool water to the burn for at least 3-5 minutes, then cover it with a clean, dry cloth or blanket until help arrives.

Important: In the case of a major burn, do not hold the child in cool water for too long, as this can lower their body temperature. It is best to keep them covered with a clean cloth until medical advice is received.

Special for burns caused by electrical shock (Electrical Burns) and chemical burns (Chemical Burns)!

You need to be more careful with burns like this.

• Electrical burns: Before touching your child, make sure that the child is not connected to the electrical source. Otherwise, you could get an electric shock.
• Chemical burns:
• Flush the burn area thoroughly with water for 5 minutes or more. If the burn area is large, use a basin of water, the shower head, a bucket of water, or a garden hose.
• Do not remove the child's clothing until you have started rinsing with water. As you continue rinsing with water, you can remove the clothing from the burned area.
• If the chemical burn is small, wash it for another 10-20 minutes, cover it with a clean gauze pad or bandage, and call your doctor .
• If you get a chemical burn in your mouth or eyes, you should rinse thoroughly with water and then see a doctor immediately.

Chemical burns and electrical burns may not always be visible from the outside. However, they can be serious because they can damage internal organs. Symptoms can vary depending on the type, severity, and cause of the burn.

For example, if your child swallows a chemical or other harmful substance (such as a button battery), first call Poison Control. In Sri Lanka, this is usually the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Then call an emergency medical service (such as 1990 Suwaseriya). It is important to know what chemical the child swallowed. You may need to take them to the hospital.

Finally, the most important things to remember

I think you understand a lot about burns now. The most important thing is not to panic and do the right thing.

• Prevention is best: Create an environment at home that protects children from burn hazards as much as possible. Keep hot water, heating appliances, and chemicals out of reach of children.
• Identify the type of burn: First aid should be provided accordingly.
• Know exactly when to see a doctor: If it's more than a minor burn, definitely seek medical advice.
• Apply proper first aid: Do not apply ice or butter. Cool water is best.
• Be especially careful with electrical and chemical burns.

If you keep these things in mind, you can quickly provide your child with the right help, even if it is an unfortunate burn. Always be careful!Burns, Burns in Children, First Aid, Skin Burns, Types of Burns, Treatment of Burns, Thermal Burns, Chemical Burns, Electrical Burns