According to the burn center of the children's city clinical hospital No. 9 named after. G.N. Speransky in Moscow, burns rank third in terms of injuries, with children accounting for ¾ of all cases. Most often, burns occur in young children under 5 years of age. Thermal burns in children occur more often than chemical and electrical burns.
Children's skin is much more delicate than adults, so any burn, even minor, can cause significant harm. Therefore, you should definitely consult a doctor about how to treat a burn in a child.
Types of burns
Thermal burns in children most often occur at home.
Children can be scalded by boiling water, burned near a fire, on a stove or an iron. Even too hot water during bathing can injure delicate skin. Electrical burns account for about 4% of injuries. Chemical burns occur even less frequently and are usually associated with parental carelessness when storing household chemicals.
In summer, you should pay close attention to sunburns: they are not as harmless as they seem. It is necessary to have special means on hand and know what to apply to a child’s burn in order to minimize the negative consequences. But first of all, it is important to quickly take him to a cool place, in the shade.
Grodno Regional Children's Clinical Hospital
Details Published September 21, 2015
Head of the 8th surgical department Khmelenko A.I.
Thermal burns
Thermal burns are burns from flame, hot steam, hot or burning liquid, boiling water, from contact with hot objects, sunburn. Thermal burns can occur as a result of exposure to light, flame, boiling water or other hot liquid, steam, hot air or hot objects.
From a burn, living tissues die, first of all, due to the direct impact of flame, hot objects, steam, liquids, the temperature of which exceeds 50 - 55 ° C. But it is known that during prolonged exposure of the human body to infrared radiation, thermal burns can occur at lower temperatures (43-44°C). At a temperature of 60-70°C, partial denaturation of tissue proteins occurs, and at 100°C and above, complete denaturation occurs.
The depth of the burn depends on the temperature and the duration of its exposure to the body. The higher the temperature and longer the exposure, the deeper the burn. Lightning burns are known, which are superficial, despite a very high temperature, when the harmful effect lasts a fraction of a second (an explosion of an atomic bomb, gas in a mine, etc.). But not all parts of the body are equally sensitive to heat. On the neck, in the perineum or groin areas, the burn will be deeper than on the palms and soles, where the rough epidermis more reliably protects the subordinate layers of skin and tissue from the damaging factor.
The low thermal conductivity of the skin reduces the temperature, and therefore the vast majority of thermal burns are limited to superficial damage. However, very hot solid objects (metal, sand, brick, etc.) give off so much heat that deep burns occur - primary coagulative tissue necrosis. Coagulation necrosis also occurs when the skin is exposed to flame. Under the influence of hot liquids and steam, tissue dehydration does not occur, and therefore wet liquefaction necrosis occurs. Classification of thermal burns according to A. Vishnevsky: I degree - skin erythema, II - the presence of blisters; III A degree - superficial skin necrosis, in which islet epithelization of the skin is possible; III B degree - complete necrosis of all layers of skin; IV degree - necrosis of the skin and underlying tissues.
A first degree burn is erythema that appears immediately after a burn as a manifestation of acute aseptic inflammation of the skin. It goes away after a few days, but on the 5-8th day the epidermis begins to peel off, which indicates denaturation of the cellular protein of the surface layers of the epidermis. A second-degree burn is characterized by subepidermal blisters that appear immediately after the burn and may enlarge within one to two days. The appearance of blisters against the background of erythema is caused by detachment and elevation of the stratum corneum and lucidum of the epidermis by plasma due to a sharp expansion of the capillaries and the permeability of their walls. In these exfoliating layers of the skin, protein denaturation occurs, and in the Malpighian and Roscov layers, reactive inflammation occurs, which gradually, unless an infection occurs, subsides. Within 10-14 days, damaged skin is completely restored.
With a thermal burn of III A degree, coagulation of the malpighian and partially papillary layer of the dermis occurs. This degree of burn is determined after cleaning the burn surface from blisters and necrotic tissue and the appearance of small epithelial islands. Thus, III A degree burns, if suppuration does not occur, can heal independently due to the epithelial elements of the dermis and skin appendages. Therefore, III A degree burns are classified as superficial burns. Suppuration of the burn surface leads to secondary necrosis of the epithelial islands under the influence of proteolytic enzymes of the wound, bringing it closer to a III B degree burn. III B degree burns are characterized by necrosis of all layers of the skin, which reaches the subcutaneous tissue, and IV degree burns in deeper tissues.
Causes of burns
Thermal burns occur as a result of exposure to high temperature: - open fire affects a large surface, causing burns mainly of the second degree. — hot liquid can cause small but deep burns. — steam burns usually occur over a large area, but are not deep. - contact with hot objects causes a clearly defined and deep burn - up to the fourth degree. — chemical burns occur as a result of contact with hazardous substances: acids and alkalis. Burns caused by these substances entering the respiratory tract and digestive tract are especially dangerous. - Electrical burns occur at the points where electrical charge enters and exits the body. They occupy a small area, but can be very deep. In addition, if the electrical wiring is short-circuited, arc burns may occur. It resembles a burn from an open flame. First aid for minor household burns:
- Cool the burned area with cool running water for a few minutes. Do not use strong water pressure.
- Do not use ice, snow, or frozen foods to cool a burn. Low temperatures can quickly cause frostbite, since the skin at the burn site is already damaged and does not perform its protective function.
- First degree burns or minor second degree burns can be treated with certified burn ointments or sprays. Remember: such ointments must be made strictly on a water basis.
- Never apply oil, lard or any other fat, including rich creams, to burns. The oil film traps heat inside the skin and makes the burn deeper.
- Do not open the blisters left from the burn yourself - this way you risk getting an infection. Burns are prone to inflammation and the development of suppuration more often than other injuries.
- If the burn causes severe pain, chills or fever, consult a doctor immediately.
How to Prevent Burns Most burns can be prevented. Simple rules will help prevent burns in children:
- Do not allow your young child to open bathroom and kitchen faucets on his own until he can mix hot and cold water. Even water at a temperature of 60°C can cause a serious burn in just half a minute of contact with it.
- Do not carry hot liquids or food over areas where your child plays.
- Do not open the oven if there is a small child in the kitchen.
- During a picnic, do not let your child get close to the grill. Play with your child away from the place where the barbecue is being prepared.
- When cooking on the stove, turn on the far burners and turn the pans with the handles facing inward. This will allow you to protect yourself from accidentally turning over a hot pot or frying pan.
- Don't put off fixing faulty electrical outlets and plugs. Do not use devices with faulty wiring.
- Avoid using heaters with open coils.
- Do not teach your child to use lighters or matches until you are sure he understands their potential dangers. Keep such items in places where children cannot reach.
- Never bring any corrosive liquids into a home where there are small children. Put household chemicals in cabinets, or better yet, under lock and key.
- Do not allow children to set off fireworks, including playing with sparklers, firecrackers or small firecrackers.
The most important
Burns occur under the influence of various hot objects, liquids, steam and even caustic chemicals. If the burns are deep and large in area, call an ambulance immediately. Never apply grease to the burn area or apply ice to the affected skin.
What types of burns are there?
Burns are classified by degree (see photo). The severity of the injury depends on the area and depth of the injury.
First degree burns (superficial)
Not considered dangerous. They are characterized by redness of the skin, slight swelling, and sharp pain. The consequences of the injury disappear without a trace within a few days.
Second degree burns (medium thickness)
Damage to the upper layer of skin, which is manifested by swelling, hyperemia of the skin, and the appearance of blisters with transparent contents. With proper treatment of burns in children, the consequences of the injury disappear within 2-3 weeks.
Severe burns (third degree and fourth degree)
May pose a danger to the child's life. With such damage, the skin is affected to its full depth; subcutaneous fat, soft tissue, tendons, and bones may be affected. It is necessary to seek medical help as quickly as possible. Severe burns are treated only in specialized departments of clinics.
Depending on the extent and area of damage, treatment and rehabilitation may take many months.
Burn blister or burn blister - what do you have?
Dermatologists classify the types of skin rashes caused by irritation and injury. Bubbles are even distinguished by size - small elements similar to a small rash are called bubbles; larger sacs of liquid formed when several small bubbles merge are called blisters.
If we turn to the definition of a blister, this is the name for a subcutaneous bubble that occurs due to allergies or mechanical friction (for example, if your shoes rubbed). Therefore, it is correct to call the elements that appear after a burn bubbles.
However, when describing your symptoms to your doctor, you can use any term - most likely, he will understand you.
What to do for burns
First of all, it is necessary to stop the effect of the traumatic factor. In case of burns from boiling water in children, it is necessary to remove their wet clothes, being careful not to damage the blisters. Extinguish open flames with thick cloth. Do not pour water on the fire, as this creates steam, which can also burn the child or you. If your hair catches fire, for example when blowing out candles on a cake, you should also use a cloth to knock down the flame to prevent it from spreading.
In case of a slight burn in a child (1-2 degrees), if possible, cool the injured area under running cold, but not ice-cold water, at a temperature of approximately +10...+20 ℃, or cover the burn site with a clean cloth moistened with water.
If the injury is mild, you can treat the burn site with a special spray. To reduce pain, you can give a mild over-the-counter pain reliever according to the age of the victim. It is necessary to calm and distract the child if possible.
A more severe burn should not be cooled with running water. It is necessary to call a doctor, cover the affected area with a clean cloth to prevent infection, give pain relief and wait for the doctors to arrive, or take the child to a medical facility yourself.
What to do with a blister after a burn: treat it or get rid of it?
The burn bubble needs to burst, BUT a doctor must do this.
Before starting the procedure, the burn site and bladder are treated with an antiseptic solution.
The bladder is punctured with a sterile needle. The puncture should be shallow - you just need to burst the bubble itself from above; The procedure is practically painless and may sting slightly.
Using a sterile napkin, remove the liquid that has leaked from the bladder. The film is carefully removed from the surface of the skin, and the wound is treated with an antiseptic. A sterile bandage with an antimicrobial agent is applied to the burn site.
A healing ointment is also used to accelerate skin regeneration. The La-Cri restorative cream, which contains only natural ingredients, is perfect for these purposes. Its natural non-hormonal composition is designed specifically to eliminate all kinds of skin problems and cope with the consequences of burns:
- Panthenol and avocado oil accelerate the healing and regeneration process and soften the skin.
- Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Walnut extract protects against germs.
After applying the cream, the burn site should be covered with a sterile bandage to prevent dirt from getting into the wound.
If the procedure is carried out under sterile conditions, then you are not at risk of infection. And with regular use of the La-Cri healing ointment, the burn will go away very quickly and will not leave any traces.
How to prevent
Most cases of childhood burns are the responsibility of parents and other adults who leave children unattended in potentially dangerous places. Therefore, when a child appears in the house, all family members must follow the following rules.
- Do not drink or eat hot food while the baby is in your arms.
- Cook food only on the far burners.
- Keep potentially dangerous objects as far away from the edge of the table as possible.
- When preparing a bath, turn on cold water first, and then hot, thoroughly mixing the layers. Remember that water at a temperature of +50 ℃ can be dangerous for a child!
- For sunbathing, use only early morning hours and use sunscreen.
- If possible, do not use extension cords; try to secure electrical wires and cords so that the child does not grab them if he falls.
- Keep electrical appliances as far as possible from children and water sources.
- Hide candles and matches.
- Keep household cleaning products and other chemicals out of the reach of children.
Preventing burns in a child at home
Young children get most burns due to parental negligence. Kids don’t yet know that hot things are dangerous and that fire shouldn’t be touched, so it’s important not to leave such things unattended. When children get older, you need to explain to them why certain objects should not be touched. Many children try to break the ban without explanation simply out of curiosity.
Before bathing or feeding hot food, be sure to first check the degree of heating, because children are more sensitive to temperature.
What not to do
If an accident does occur, it is important to quickly provide adequate first aid for a child’s burn. If you don’t have anything in your home medicine cabinet to treat your child’s burn, urgently take him to a doctor or call for medical help.
You should not tear off clothing that has stuck to the wound, touch the affected area, or open blisters that have formed - all this will cause severe pain to the child and will contribute to infection.
You cannot treat damage with folk remedies! It is better to do nothing than to anoint a child’s burn with oil, toothpaste, egg white, starch, soda, kefir, urine, non-specialized creams and ointments. This will not bring any benefit, but on the contrary, it may worsen the negative consequences.
When to call an ambulance
- the burn occurred in a child under 5 years of age;
- the face, groin area, hands, feet are affected;
- in case of electrical injury;
- the affected area is more than five palms of the child, in children one year old and younger - one palm;
- the child has chills, fever, and loss of sensitivity at the site of the lesion;
- if damage to the respiratory tract or eyes is suspected.
The sooner the victim is in the hands of doctors, the more effective the assistance provided to him will be and the higher the likelihood of a favorable prognosis.
When to call a doctor
Even household use of hot oil can lead to disastrous consequences. Doctor's help is necessary in the following cases:
- A child was injured. Children's skin regenerates faster, however, the pain experienced by a baby, especially one who cannot talk about it, is terrible. Panic and chaotic actions will not add any benefit.
- Mucous membranes are affected. Eyes, mouth, throat, genitals.
- The burn area is larger than the victim's palm.
- Pregnancy. The leading physician must assess the potential danger to the mother and fetus.
- The advanced age of the victim.
Timely first aid and the participation of a specialist are the key to successful healing of a burn from boiling oil.
First aid kits with the required medications must be available at production facilities. Timely replenishment is the responsibility of the manager. This article is for informational purposes only, please consult your doctor for details!
