Rough and Tumble Part III

Burns: They scare kids the most, I think, because the REALLY hurt, momma! But how bad is the burn and how do you take care of it?
A third-degree burn is the most serious of the three categories of burns. The skin, which may appear white or charred, is seriously injured — even below the surface. A second-degree burn creates blistering and swelling. A first-degree burn, which is the mildest, can involve redness and slight swelling. For this kind of quickly cool the area by submerging it in cool water for at least 20 minutes. If the burn is on your child's face, apply a cool, clean, water-soaked towel and call the doctor.
If the burn starts to blister, simply apply an antiseptic ointment and cover the area loosely with a clean nonstick bandage. Never try to break a blister. Blisters are an important part of the skin's healing process. Don't put butter, grease, lotion, or powder on the burn. These can increase the risk of infection. And don't use ice, which can further damage the skin. You can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the pain. A mild, first-degree burn may heal in just a few days, but a second-degree burn can take a couple of weeks.
If the injury is an electrical burn or if the burn is on the face, hands, or genitals, call your child's physician immediately after providing first aid.
How should I treat a chemical burn?
Burns from lye, acids, or other harsh chemicals may look much like a sunburn. Remove your child's clothing, cutting it away if necessary to avoid spreading the chemical to other parts of the body. Rinse the burned areas with cool running water for 20 minutes, and wash gently with soap. Don't apply lotions or ointments to the burned skin. If your child swallowed or inhaled any of the chemical, call Poison Control immediately for instructions. If the chemical splashed into his eyes, flush the eyes for 20 minutes with water poured from a pitcher. If the burned area is large, cover it with a clean, damp sheet. Call the doctor immediately after providing first aid.

Again, thanks to ParentCenter. Find more information on a variety or topics at http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

--Misty