Sunburns in kids and minor burns in children are never a fun experience. KidsStreet Urgent Care is here to inform you of the most common types, treatment methods, and prevention methods for minor burns and sunburns.
Common Burns In Children
First and second-degree burns are the most common types of burns in children. These burns are most often caused by thermal burns. Thermal burns occur when the skin temperature is raised rapidly by touching hot liquids or a hot object.
If your child has sustains a chemical burns, electrical burns, or a third-degree burn, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
KidsStreet Urgent Care can diagnose and treat minor burns in children with our urgent care services for kids.
First-Degree Burns
A first-degree burn only affects the outermost layer of the skin- the epidermis. This is the least severe type of burn, generally covers small areas, and will usually heal in three days to one week. Symptoms of first-degree burns include:
- Pain
- Dryness
- Redness
- Minimal swelling
If your child sustains a first-degree burn, you can likely treat it at home. Some at-home remedies include:
- Cool the burn down with cold compresses.
- Apply burn ointment to the area.
- Cover the burned area with a sterile bandage.
It is not always necessary to see a provider if your child sustains a first-degree burn, however, if you are unsure of the severity of the burn, seek medical attention.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns are more serious and may require medical intervention as they have a higher risk of infection. These burns affect both the epidermis and dermis, the top two layers of skin. Accompanied by pain, children may also experience:
- Blisters
- Swelling
- Redness
Second-degree burns will take one to three weeks to heal, and providers may prescribe ointments to help with pain and the healing process.
Sunburns in Kids
Sunburns are an example of a radiation burn, caused by ultraviolet UV radiation. This burn injury is characterized by red, dry, and itchy skin, and can usually be treated with at-home remedies depending on the severity.
To treat a mild sunburn at home, some treatments include:
- Apply cool compresses to the sunburned area.
- Use aloe vera on burned areas.
- Take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol.
Sunburns will likely heal by themselves in a few days. If your child is still struggling with their sunburns after more than a week of symptoms, seek medical attention.
Preventing Minor Burns and Sunburns in Children
To prevent minor burns, keep your children away from hot surfaces or objects. Additionally, ensure hot liquids are out of their reach.
There are many methods of preventing sunburn in kids, and some of the best practices include:
- Applying sunscreen with at least 30 sun protection factor (SPF), 50 SPF for kids under 24 months of age.
- Wear protective clothing outdoors to prevent sun damage.
- Try to take breaks from sun exposure at least every 30 minutes.
Turn To KidsStreet Urgent Care
Has your child sustained a minor burn or sunburn? KidsStreet Urgent Care can help them heal and feel better, fast!
To visit a clinic, register online. You will be able to wait from anywhere until we send you a text alerting you that we’re ready for you.
We welcome walk-ins daily, however, we highly recommend utilizing our online registration system as it reduces in-clinic wait times. Walk-in patients are added to the same queue as those who register online.