As parents and caregivers, a child’s safety is your top priority. Burns and scalds can happen in seconds—whether from a spilt hot drink or a curious toddler exploring the kitchen.
Burns and scalds are common injuries in young children, especially in busy households. Knowing how to prevent accidents and treat burns can give parents and caregivers peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between burns and scalds, treatment steps, and how to keep children safe at home.
What’s the Difference Between Burns and Scalds?
Burns and scalds are injuries to the skin caused by heat.
- Burns are caused by dry heat (like fire, hot metal, or even the sun) and can also result from contact with chemicals, electricity, or friction.
- Scalds are burns caused by wet heat (like hot water, steam, or hot liquids).
How Bad Is It?
Burns come in different levels of severity:
- Superficial Burns: Just the top layer of skin is affected. It’s red and painful, but it’ll heal.
- Partial-Thickness Burns: These go deeper, causing blisters and more intense pain.
- Full-Thickness Burns: These are the worst, damaging all skin layers and possibly even tissue underneath. They might look white, charred, or leathery, and might not even hurt because of nerve damage.
How to Treat Minor Burns and Scalds in Your Home
If you’ve got a minor burn, don’t panic! Here’s what you can do:
- Stop the Burning: Immediately remove the person from the heat source.
- Cool the Burn: Run cool water over the burned area for 20 minutes or until the pain subsides. Never use ice.
- Cover the Burn: Gently cover the burn with a clean, non-stick gauze and a loose bandage.
- Leave Blisters Intact: Avoid popping blisters, as they help protect the wound as it heals.
- Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol if needed.
When to See a Doctor About a Burn or Scald
Some burns need professional help. Head to the doctor if:
- It’s Big: Bigger than the injured person’s hand.
- It’s Deep: White or charred skin means it’s serious.
- It’s in a Sensitive Area: Face, neck, hands, feet, joints, or genitals.
- It’s from Chemicals or Electricity: These can be serious.
- The Person has Other Injuries: Better safe than sorry.
- The Person has Signs of Medical Shock: Cold, clammy skin, sweating, fast breathing, weakness, or dizziness.
Also, see a doctor if the person who’s burned:
- Is Under 10: Children need extra care.
- Has a Medical Condition: Things like heart, lung, or liver disease, or diabetes.
- Has a Weak Immune System: They’re more vulnerable to infections.
Preventing Burns & Scalds in your Home: How to create a safe space for children.
Kitchen Safety:
- Keep children out of the kitchen during cooking.
- Use back burners and turn pot handles inwards.
- Keep children away from hot liquids and cooking appliances.
Electrical Safety:
- Unplug appliances when not in use.
- Keep electrical cords away from children and water sources.
- Cover unused electrical outlets.
Hot Drink Safety:
- Keep hot drinks away from children.
- Test bottle-warmed milk on your wrist before feeding.
Sun Safety:
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher generously and frequently.
- Keep babies out of direct sunlight.
- Dress children in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and hats.
Accidents happen, and even the most vigilant parents can’t prevent everything. The most important thing is knowing how to act quickly and calmly. First aid knowledge is a powerful tool that helps you protect children in emergencies.
Take control and be prepared by joining one of our comprehensive first aid courses in Singapore. Book your spot now and learn how to handle any situation with confidence.
Prefer a more personalised experience? We’re happy to bring the training to you! Contact us today to arrange a private first aid class in the comfort of your own home.
Remember: This is just general information. If you’re ever worried about a burn, talk to a doctor.