Assess
your child's condition. Once the cause of the burn has been removed,
check your child's breathing and pulse. If your child's breathing or pulse has
stopped, go to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Start CPR at once. Have someone call for emergency help.
For third-or fourth-degree burns. lf the burn is deep end severe, your child will require immediate medical attention. Do not remove any clothing that is stuck to the burn, but lightly cover the area with a clean white cloth. Call for emergency medical assistance or take your child immediately to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. Do not attempt to treat a severe third- or fourth degree burn at home.
For first- or second-degree burns. To minimize damage from a first- or second-degree burn, cool the burn as rapidly as possible. Immerse the affected area in cool running water until the stinging and burning sensations lessen. This may take ten minutes or even longer. Do not stop prematurely.
If the burn occurs through clothing (as in a spill of hot liquid), don't wait to strip the clothes from your child. Immediately immerse the area in cool, running water. Remove the wet clothes from your child while cooling the burn.
While cooling the burn, remove any watches, bracelets, rings, belts or other constricting items from the area before the burn swells.
For burns in sensitive areas. The thin, tender skin of a child is particularly susceptible to burns. Take your child to the emergency room if a burn appears severe or extensive, or if the burned area is on the face, the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or on or near a joint.
Avoid worsening the injury. Do not apply butter, oil, grease, lotions, or creams to burns. Do not cover burns with adhesive dressings or fluffy materials.