Burns Caused by Heat (Child)

A burn caused by heat (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 scalding liquid or gas.

Caring for a heat burn in a child

  • Remove the child from the heat source.

  • As quickly as you can, cool the area by running cool water over the burn for 5 minutes. 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. This could increase the risk for infection.

  • 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. Get medical care right away.

  • If your child's clothing is stuck to the burned area, don't try to remove it. Instead, cut the clothing around the burn, leaving the burn alone. Get medical care right away.

  • Don't apply any ointments, powders, oils, or sprays to the burned area unless prescribed by your health care provider. So-called home remedies such as butter, grease, or powder can actually make the burn worse.

  • Get medical care right away if your child has burns on the hand, foot, face, eyes, or groin, burns that go all the way around an arm or leg, or burns that cover a large area. Or call 911 for emergency medical care.

  • If your child has a small burn somewhere else on the body, it's OK to give them some acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain if they have no conditions preventing them from taking these medicines.
  • Ask your child's provider if your child needs a tetanus shot.