What to do if your child has a burn injury

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.

114 Comments

- - jodimummy said
  - 01 Jul 2013
    5:51 pm
We have gone through this horrible experience. I went to the hairdresser and my hubby was home with DS, I got a frantic call that my son had spilt his noodles into his lap. My hubby was beside himself, he removed the clothing and put him into a cold bath. We had to call the ambulance and take a trip to the hospital. My little one was so brave and made all the nurses laugh as he didn’t want to cover up his willy! They didn’t want to get weed on! He recovered perfectly with no scarring. Quick action is absolutely necessary with cold water.

- - jodie80 said
  - 30 Jun 2013
    10:57 pm
I have heard cold water works

- - meros said
  - 30 Jun 2013
    9:23 am
20 minutes of water and then wrap to prevent any infection. It all depends on how severe it is. My kids have never burnt but I have and it is one of the most dreadful pains I have been through.

- - ashyhatton said
  - 25 Jun 2013
    11:03 pm
Burns are so horrible! Thanks for the info!

- - lovi said
  - 23 Jun 2013
    7:05 pm
INSTANTLY cool the burn with gently flowing WATER! WATER! WATER! for up to 20 minutes – sooo true you can even fill a bowl with ice water and have them soak it if it is in an area you can do that with

- - jodie80 said
  - 22 Jun 2013
    8:03 pm
Burns are scarey things. I have my 1st aid kit ready.

- - ditto said
  - 20 Jun 2013
    12:08 am
my daughter had a serious burn i rushed her to docs and they put a special burns bandage on left it for a week it was just amazing there was a red mark were the burn was
- rachkap replied
  
  31 Jul 2013 , 4:25 am
  I wonder if you can get these bandages to have on hand at home!
- - lovi said
  - 19 Jun 2013
    2:06 pm
There are specific burn sprays you can get from the chemist and I will add another no no to the list – never oils or vasaline!!!! Thay hold the heat in and keep the skin burning

- - lucky2b said
  - 17 Jun 2013
    12:53 pm
All mums need to read this

- - lynzstevo said
  - 14 Jun 2013
    6:44 pm
I recall my mum once telling me if you’re burnt, not to rip clothing off because it can take your skin with it! She’s filled my head with useful advice over the years lol

- - zowieh said
  - 13 Jun 2013
    6:39 pm
VERY INTERESTING.. thanks so much

- - maureen3 said
  - 13 Jun 2013
    2:30 pm
An interesting article thanks for sharing

- - lynzstevo said
  - 11 Jun 2013
    8:28 pm
invaluable information for any parent. Thank you so much for this article.

- - maureen3 said
  - 10 Jun 2013
    1:32 pm
A useful and informative article

- - beagle said
  - 29 May 2013
    6:05 pm
Teach your children to run burns under cold water too, much better that they start that and send someone for help than for them to come looking for you.

- - callie said
  - 28 May 2013
    9:23 pm
I can remember scolding my hand in hot water as a child and my mum putting butter on it to try and make it better!

- - micko10 said
  - 28 May 2013
    1:49 pm
great advice scary thing but better to be informed than not

- - jaimilayt said
  - 28 May 2013
    8:35 am
Hoping i never have to deal with burns

- - mouse said
  - 23 May 2013
    10:05 am
Thank you for this, I am hoping it is something i never have to deal with

- - tobysmummy said
  - 21 May 2013
    1:48 pm
Thanks for telling us the correct way to deal with them though