Classification of Burns

The burn classification system uses four degrees based on how much damage the burn causes to the skin or underlying structures.

First-Degree Burns

The least severe burn classification is first-degree burns, also known as superficial burns, because they only affect the top layer of skin. Characteristics include:

• Pain
• Redness
• Dry (no blisters or drainage)

A mild sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn. Most heal within a few days and may not need medical treatment.

Second-Degree Burns

Also known as partial-thickness burns, second-degree burns involve the top and part of the lower layer of skin. Characteristics include:

• Pain
• Redness
• Blisters
• Swelling

Second-degree burns take longer to heal and often require medical treatment.

Third-Degree Burns

Also known as full-thickness burns, third-degree burns damage the upper and lower layers of skin and some underlying tissue. The burn may appear white or blackened. If nerve endings are injured, it could be painful or possibly numb.

Fourth-Degree Burns

The most severe classification of burns is fourth-degree burns, which damage the upper and lower layers of skin, underlying tissue, muscle, and possibly bone. The burn may have a waxy or leathered appearance and is usually numb initially from nerve damage.

Third- and fourth-degree burns require medical treatment, have a prolonged recovery time, and usually involve skin grafts to aid in healing.

Treating Minor Burns and Sunburn in Kids

The treatment for burns depends on the type and classification of burn sustained. We’ll review some best practices to help your child heal and feel better fast!

Treating Sunburns

Most sunburns are first-degree burns and may be treated at home. We recommend you:

• Give over-the-counter children’s pain medication for sunburn pain.
• Place your child in a room-temperature or cool bath for comfort. Do not use cold water, which can drop your child’s body temperature and cause more skin damage.
• Apply aloe vera lotion to sunburned skin.
• Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated.
• Cover the burned area with loose-fitting clothes when going outside until they are fully healed.

Most sunburned kids start to feel better around 24 hours and usually heal in three or four days. If your little one is not healing after a few days or:

• They develop symptoms such as blisters, fever, nausea, vomiting, or dehydration, or
• The sunburned areas look infected with red streaking,

Call your pediatrician or turn to KidsStreet urgent care services for medical attention.

Treating Thermal Burns

Minor thermal burns are often treated at home. We recommend you:

• Run the burned area under cool water for 10 minutes or place a cool compress on it for 30 minutes.
• Give over-the-counter children’s pain medication.
• Apply aloe vera or petroleum jelly to the burn; avoid applying ice, butter, grease, or rubbing alcohol, as these can increase skin damage and cause infection.
• Avoid popping blisters, as this leads to a risk of infection.
• Cover the burn with a loose bandage to keep it clean.

See medical attention if the burn looks infected, such as red streaking, drainage, and increased swelling.

If your child has experienced a thermal burn on their face, hands, feet, joint, or around a limb or chest, please visit the emergency room immediately.

Treating Electrical Burns

Electrical burns always require medical evaluation for possible internal injury, even if external burns are minor. We recommend you:

• Turn off the electrical source. 
• Remove clothing and jewelry from burn sites as they will continue to conduct heat.
• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Treating Chemical Burns

A medical professional should evaluate chemical burns in kids. We recommend you:

• Run the burned area under cool water to rinse away the chemical.
• Remove any contaminated clothing or jewelry after rinsing them with cool water.
• Wrap the burned area with a clean, loose dressing.
• Call your child’s provider or go to the nearest emergency room.

Preventing Burns in Kids

Like Mom used to say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Below are some helpful tips to prevent burns in kids.

Preventing Sunburn

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help prevent sunburn. We suggest you:

• Dress your child in protective clothing that covers their skin, such as lightweight cotton long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sun hats.
• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Look for sunscreen that is water resistant and reapply frequently. 
• Take frequent breaks from sun exposure in shaded areas.
• Keep children under six months of age in shaded areas, but apply sunscreen on their face and hands if not possible.

Preventing Thermal Burns

Some practical tips for preventing thermal burns in kids include:

• Keep stovetop pot handles out of reach.
• Keep hot drinks and food out of reach.
• Set your water heater to a maximum temperature of 120° F.

Preventing Electrical Burns

Some useful tips for preventing electrical burns in kids include:

• Keep covers on electrical outlets not in use.
• Inspect electrical cords for fraying.
• Keep cords out of reach of teething children.

Preventing Chemical Burns

Some valuable tips for preventing chemical burns in kids include:

• Keep household cleaners in locked cabinets or out of reach.
• Keep batteries, such as button batteries used in hearing aids, out of reach.