Burn - First Degree
- A burn is a heat (thermal), chemical or electrical injury to the skin
Severity of Burns:
- 1st degree - Reddened skin without blisters
- 2nd degree - Reddened skin with blisters (Heals from the bottom up, not from the edges. Takes 2 to 3 weeks.) Small closed blisters contain protective chemicals, serve as a dressing and reduce pain.
- 3rd degree - Deep burns with white or charred skin. Skin sensation is absent. Usually needs a skin graft to prevent bad scarring if it is larger than a quarter (1 inch) in size. (Heals from the edges)
When to call your doctor
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
- For all thermal or chemical burns, see FIRST AID
- Large 2nd or 3rd degree burn
- Difficulty breathing with burn to the face
- Difficult to awaken or acting confused
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
- For all new thermal or chemical burns, see FIRST AID
- You think your child has a serious burn
- Blister is present (EXCEPTION: small closed blister less than ½ inch size)
- Eye or eyelid burn
- Burn completely circles an arm or leg
- Center of the burn is white or charred
- Electrical current burn
- Explosion or gun powder caused the burn
- Acid or alkali burn
- Chemical burn that causes a blister
- House fire burn
- Severe pain persists over 2 hours after pain medicine
- You think your child needs to be seen urgently
- Burn looks infected
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
- You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
- You have other questions or concerns
- Burn isn’t healed after 10 days
Parent Care at Home If
- Minor heat or chemical burn and you don't think your child needs to be seen
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR 1ST DEGREE BURNS OR SMALL BLISTERS
- Pain Medicine: For pain, apply cold compresses and give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen for a few days.
- Cleansing: Wash the area gently with warm water. Avoid soap unless the burn is dirty. (Reason: Soaps can slow healing).
- Closed Blisters: Don't open any small closed blisters - the outer skin protects the burn from infection.
- Antibiotic Ointment:
- For any broken blisters, apply an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin (no prescription needed).
- Then cover it with a Band-Aid. Change the dressing every other day.
- Use warm water and 1 or 2 gentle wipes with a wet washcloth to remove any surface debris.
- Expected Course: It will probably hurt for 2 days and peel like a sunburn in about a week. Fortunately, first- and second-degree burns don't leave scars.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Severe pain persists over 2 hours after pain medicine given
- Burn starts to look infected (pus, red streaks, increased tenderness)
- Burn isn't healed after 10 days
- Your child becomes worse
Author: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last reviewed: 9/15/2011
Last revised: 8/1/2011 2:52:42 PM