Your son or daughter turns the tap of the bath too hot or pulls on the tablecloth and gets hot tea all over them. An accident happened in a flash. With these tips you can treat the burn.
Did you know… One in four patients in Dutch burn centers is younger than five years.
How to treat a burn:
1. Cool the burn
Cool a burn for about 10 minutes with lukewarm water.
2. Make sure the wound does not break further
Cool the wound with gently running water. For example, hold your hand in front of the shower head to soften the spray, so that you prevent the skin on the wound from breaking further.
3. Do not take off clinging clothing
Do not take off clothing that sticks to the burn, you run the risk of pulling the skin with it. Is your child wearing a diaper? Take it off though, because a diaper retains hot liquids.
3. Call the GP
When in doubt, always call your doctor.
4. Keep the burn clean
Dress the wound with a sterile bandage or clean tea towel. Do not use ointment on the burn.
5. Make sure your child is not cold after cooling
Cooling with lukewarm water can make your baby cold. Wrap your child in a blanket.
More information
The Burns Foundation has set up a campaign to increase knowledge about burns in children.
Image:Shutterstock
