Burns are one of the most common household accidents, and their treatment is often not known. Hot drinks are the number one cause of scald injuries in young children ,and second is taking a bath in too hot water. Adults get burned while cooking at the stove, or holding a pot of hot liquid while moving it to another place, and accidentally spilling on your arms, legs or body.


Steps

1. Try to remove any clothing from the burnt area. If they are stuck to the skin do not attempt to remove.
   
   
   • Cool down the area by running it under cool water for 10-20 minutes or until the pain eases. This will prevent the burn from getting worse.
   • Give some pain relief to help calm down the burnt person.
   • Lightly cover the burned area with cling film, a clean plastic bag or cold, wet cloth (but not wrapping). This will help to protect the sore skin from further irritation and infection.
     
     
2. Remember that if the burn is larger than palm size, is on the face or joints, or remains red, take your child to a doctor or Emergency Department.
3. Never put any ointments, creams, or anything else on the burn including ice packs, as they can burn.

Tips

• If you do not know how to treat the burn, call 911 immediately and tell them the type of burn and what caused it.
• If a phone is not available then get the burned victim to the nearest Hospital. Cover the area lightly so it does not get infected.