We all hear about the great danger to our kids when it comes to burns – a screaming hot kettle or saucepan full of boiling liquid. But what is not so well known is that your child is more likely to receive a burn from a hair straightener or a treadmill!

At my place, I had turned on my hair straightener and turned my attention away unaware that my 4 year old son had wandered into the room where I had the straightener on, and to this day I can still hear the shrieking cry that accompanied my son yelling, “it attacked me Mummy”.

In horror, I ran into the room, looked at his hand where instantly a blister had covered his whole thumb.  I rushed to the sink, turned on the tap, somehow grabbed a chair and together we stood crying for the next 20 minutes.

Perhaps not quite the end of the world, but I knew how much that would hurt and kicked myself for not thinking about how hot and dangerous a hair straightener can actually be.

Burns, no matter what size are one of the most painful and potentially damaging injuries you can ever encounter. Not to mention it can be incredibly frightening for you and your child.

If your child has a burn injury;

• INSTANTLY cool the burn with gently flowing WATER! WATER! WATER! for up to 20 minutes
• If in doubt call an AMBULANCE ‘000’ – especially if the burns affects airways, genitals, face, hands or feet or is bigger than a 20c piece
• For larger burns place you and your child in a gentle flowing cool shower
• Remove clothing (including nappy) and jewelry ( do this once immersed in water) – but NEVER remove items if stuck to the skin, and
• NEVER EVER put lotions, creams, powders, butter, ice, garlic, tomatoes, toothpaste, hummus or ice cream on any burns!!! (You would be surprised what I have been told)

Prevention is obviously key, but in the event of such emergency ‘water’ is your best friend and never hesitate to contact medical aid.