Kids' Health: First Aid Procedures for Burns

First, determine the severity of the burn: First-degree burns (like sunburns) cause redness and minor soreness but can be easily treated with cool water and soothing ointment. Second-degree burns cause blistering, swelling and peeling and are very painful; they may require first aid and medical treatment. Third-degree burns damage deeper layers of the skin and can lead to permanent damage, so medical treatment is absolutely mandatory.

Submerge your kid's burn in cool water for at least 20 minutes (or if the burn is on your kid's face, apply a cool, damp washcloth). The cool water will help ease your child's pain and lessen the amount of skin damage. Never apply ice to a burn—it can cause damage to the tissues.

If the skin blisters or becomes white or charred, apply an antiseptic ointment and dress your kid's wound before going to your doctor's office or the hospital. You'll want to give your kid a dose of acetaminophen to help ease the pain, as well.

If your child gets a chemical burn after coming into contact with a caustic substance, run cool water over the burn for 20 minutes. Gently cleanse the affected area with soap, but be extra gentle in applying first aid—scrubbing will cause more poison to be absorbed into the skin. If the substance was also inhaled or swallowed, contact your local poison control center immediately. If a chemical substance came in contact with your kid's eyes, flush her eyes for 20 minutes. (If she is still young, swaddle her in a towel and lay her on her side. Then pour cool water into her eye. If she closes her eyes, pull down the lower lid or place your index finger on the upper lid, just below the eyebrow, and gently open her eyes. Once you've flushed her eyes, call for medical advice.)