BURNS

Half of the injuries are in children under the age of 4 years. Although children are often burned by contact with hot liquids, household appliances, sun exposure, etc, scalding burns are the most common burn injury in younger children. 

There are four types of burns:

· First-degree burn:  burns that affect only the outer layer of the skin, causing it to be dry, red and painful, but without blistering. A mild or moderate sunburn is an example of a first degree burn.

· Second-degree burn: when damage penetrates into some of the underlying layers. Is more serious, and involves blistering of the skin. This type of burn is also painful, but unlike a first degree burn, the affected skin will likely appear to be moist.

· Third-degree burn:  all of the skin layers have been penetrated and the burned area will be white, charred, firm and leathery. A third degree burn also destroys nerve endings, so your child may not feel pain in the burned area.

· Fourth-degree burn: extend down to muscle and/or bone, but fortunately, these are rare. 

The treatment required depends on the severity of the burn. Superficial or minor burns may be managed with little more that simple pain relievers. Major burns, may require prolonged treatment in specialized burn centers.

MINOR BURNS

What you SHOULD do:

· Move the burned away from the heat source.

· Cool the burn with water, for about fifteen minutes. Or cover the area with a cold, wet towel.

· Cover the burn with clean compresses.

· Call to the healthcare team.


What you SHOULDN'T do:

· Pull off the skin of the blisters.

· Use ice, oils or ointments.

To take into account: all burns that are upper to the palm of the hand should

 be treated in a hospital.

MAJOR BURNS

 What you SHOULD do:


·  Extinguish the flames with whatever you can.

· Wash the affected area with fresh water for two or three minutues.

· Cover the burn well with a clean cloth. 

· Call to the hospital.


What you SHOULDN'T do:

· Take off the clothes (you can damage the skin).

· Wash the burn with anything that it isn't water. Use the water.

· Use ice or ointments.

· Delay going to the hospital. Go quickly!