Burns Caused by Heat

A heat-induced burn (thermal burn) can occur when the skin comes in contact with any heat source. This might be from a cooking pan, an iron, a fire, a hot surface, or a hot, scalding liquid or gas.

Caring for a heat-induced burn

• Remove the child from the heat source.

• As quickly as you can, cool the affected area with cold water or cold compresses until pain is reduced or eased. Don't rub the burned area.

• Don't use ice on a burn. It can cause more damage.

• If a blister has formed, don't break it.

• Protect the burn with a dry, sterile, gauze bandage or with a clean bed sheet or cloth. If the burn is oozing, cover it lightly with a sterile gauze or clean sheet or towel and get medical attention right away.

• If your child's clothing is stuck to the burned area, don't try to remove it. Instead, cut around the clothing leaving the burn intact.

• Don't apply any ointments, powders, oils, or sprays to the burned area unless prescribed by your doctor.

• If your child has burns on the hand, foot, face, eyes, or groin, or burns that cover a large area, get medical attention right away or call 911 for emergency medical attention.

• If your child has a small burn in an area not mentioned above, it's OK to give them some acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain if they have no conditions preventing them from taking these medicines.