This content was originally produced for audio. Certain elements, such as tone, sound effects, and music, may not fully capture the intended experience in textual representation. Therefore, the following transcription may have been modified for clarity. We recognize not everyone can access the audio podcast. However, for those who can, we encourage subscribing and listening to the original content for a more engaging and immersive experience.
All thoughts and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views held by the institutions with which they are affiliated.
Chemical Burns
Kids get burned more often than they should, but many people don't know that there are several kinds of burns, and the treatment actually depends on what type of burn it is. There are chemical burns, electrical burns, and thermal burns.
Chemical burns are when they get a chemical on their skin, like bleach, and it can either cause redness and irritation, or it can go through the layers of skin and cause a lot of damage. After washing the chemical off, if there is more than just mild redness, that's a trip to the emergency room. The longer it takes to wash the chemical off, the worse the burn will be.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns are the same. These are ones like if kids stick their fingers in electrical outlets; they can cause minor shocks and localized skin irritation, or they can cause significant damage to a large portion of the body that was burned. If it is more than just a minor burn, because of how these burns can cause damage to the nerves and tissues below the burn, it's important that they are evaluated in the emergency room as well.
Thermal Burns
Finally, thermal burns, which is what we see mostly. There are three degrees of burns.
First-Degree Burns Usually Heal at Home
First-degree burns only affect the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. A good example of this is a sunburn. It causes redness, pain, and a little swelling, but they heal on their own. Cold compresses and some aloe vera help with first-degree burns, and they can be managed at home. They often get better in a matter of days.
Second-Degree Burns Often Cause Blisters
Second-degree burns are also called partial-thickness burns. They go down through the epidermis to the second layer of skin, the dermis. An example of this kind is seen in kids who touch a hot stove burner. These burns can cause worse pain than a first-degree and often will blister. The important thing is that the blister protects the burned skin. So if the blister can be kept intact and the burn covered with a non-stick dressing, that will help it heal. It can still take several weeks for it to heal, and it can leave a scar.
These can be managed at home, but if you're not sure how bad it is, bring your child to their pediatrician to be seen, and they can help show you how to take care of it.
Third-Degree Burns Are Medical Emergencies
The worst kind of burns are third-degree burns, which are full-thickness burns. These burns go through all the layers of the skin, the epidermis, the dermis, and sometimes all the way down to the bone. The skin can look charred or even white as blood vessels are destroyed. They sometimes aren't painful, as there's a loss of sensation because the nerve endings are destroyed.
These are absolute medical emergencies and have to be addressed in the emergency room, as often they need intensive treatment from the burn team, with debridement, surgical intervention, and often skin grafts. These will not be managed by your child's pediatrician.
In the case of all of these burns, the most important thing to remember is prevention.
More Answers to Your Questions on Keeping Your Kid Healthy and Happy
Latest trends and issues in children's health with pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner.
Learn More From Our Specialists
What to Know About Hair Grooming Syncope
It might sound unusual, but it is true: some children can faint while grooming their hair. Learn preventive measures and understand when to seek medical help if your child faints while grooming their hair.
Why You Shouldn't Miss Your Child's Pediatric Doctor Appointments
As a busy parent, it is easy to let your child's routine doctor appointments slip through the cracks. But skipping or missing those check-ups can affect your child's health and keep other children from getting care.
The Basics: Your Daughter's Painful Urination
Is your young daughter complaining about painful urination when using the bathroom? Learn about the most common causes of pain or irritation in the vagina or vulva, how to prevent them, and treatment options.
What Kind of Burn Is It, and Does My Kid Need the ER?
Learn the differences between chemical, electrical, and thermal burns in kids, and why first-degree burns can be managed at home while third-degree burns should always be treated as a medical emergency.
A First Aid Guide to Playground Injuries
Playgrounds equal fun, but also falls, scrapes, and the occasional broken bone. Learn which common playground injuries need a Band-Aid versus a trip to urgent care or the pediatric emergency room.
What Parents Need to Know About Constipation in Kids
Constipation is one of the most common concerns parents bring to their pediatrician. Learn about the causes of constipation in kids and practical tips to help your child have softer, more comfortable bowel movements.
