Burns and Scalds in Babies and Young Children

Did you know?

-          A cup of tea could be the most dangerous thing in your home. Any hot drink can scald a baby or child even after 15 minutes after its been made

-          Hair straighteners can reach scorching temperatures of 220C - hot enough to fry an egg. As they take 40 minutes to cool they remain dangerously hot for far longer than many parents realise. 

On average 30,000 children under the age of 5 attend A&E with burn and scald injuries each year, the majority of these accidents are due to hot drinks. Babies and young children’s skin is much more delicate than adults skin as it is 15 times thinner and therefore is has less protection and so the damage tends to be much more severe.

What are Burns and Scalds?

Burns and scalds are damage to the skin caused by heat. Both are treated in the same way. A burn is caused by dry heat – by an iron or fire, for example. A scald is caused by something wet, such as hot water or steam.

How to treat a Burn or Scald

If your baby or child experiences a burn or scald, knowing how to treat then quickly and efficiently is crucial for a speedy recovery.

-          Remove the casualty from the area of heat.

-          Start cooling the burn as quickly as possible. Run it under cool water for at least twenty minutes (ideally longer). Remember you are cooling the burn and not the casualty.

-          Assess how bad the burn is. If it is serious eg: if a large area is affected, or if the skin is broken or particularly blistered or if the baby or child has breathed in smoke, call 999 or 112 for emergency medical help (Keep cooling the burn whilst waiting for an ambulance).

-          Remove any jewellery or clothing near the burn (unless it is stuck to it).

-          Cover the burned area with kitchen cling film or another clean, non-fluffy material, like a clean plastic bag. This will protect from infection. If using cling film, place a sheet across the wound rather than wrapping it around the limb (NHS 2013).

-          Monitor the casualty and look out for signs of shock

Run burns under cool running water for 20 minutes

All baby and child burns must be checked over by a medical professional so even if an ambulance has not been called, the burn must be checked over by a GP or Nurse

You must not:

-          Pop the blister

-          Touch the burn

-          Peel clothing away that is stuck to the burn

-          Apply any lotions, ointments or fats

-          Apply any form of adhesive dressing

Some tips to avoid burns and scalds in the home:

-          Don't leave hot drinks where your baby can reach them, and don't carry them around when you're holding them or when they are on the floor playing. Also don't hand hot drinks to people over your baby, and don't drink one while feeding them.

-          Install smoke alarms on each floor and test regularly

-          Run cold water in the bath first before adding hot water – test the temperature

-          Keep saucepans at the back of the stove, not the front and make sure handles are turned to the back

-          Keep hairdryers, straighteners and curling tongs unplugged and out of reach.

-          If you have a fireplace, put a fireguard in front of it to protect your baby

-          Store chemicals, cleaners and acids out of reach or put a sturdy lock on the cupboard

-          If microwaving food or milk, thoroughly shake and mix before giving it to your child as microwave heating results in hot spots which can burn

-          Cover hot radiators with radiator guards or covers.

-          Keep matches and lighters in a lockable drawer or cupboard where your baby can't reach them.

Bumblebee First Aid offers 2 hour baby and child first aid classes in local venues to Oxford where individuals can book on or the class can come to you in the comfort of your home from £30.00 per person (minimum 6 people). Babies under 1 are welcome to attend the class.

The class covers baby and child CPR, choking, recovery position, febrile seizures, meningitis, burns, anaphylaxis, head injuries and much more…

All attendees receive a certificate of attendance and a ‘recap’ sheet of baby and child CPR and choking procedures.

Other workplace certified courses available including 6/12 hr Paediatric First Aid and Emergency First Aid at work.