Burns and Scalds in Children
Dry heat, chemicals, electricity, powder (from firework or cap pistols), and moist heat are the most common causes of burns and scalds. Prompt hospital attention should be given to young children who suffer even the smallest burn, particularly if the skin is broken.
To relieve pain and to reduce the spread of heat in the tissues, hold the burned area under gently running cold water for at least ten minutes. See that any constrictive articles –rings, belts, those –are loosened or removed before any swelling begins. Pour cold water over clothing that has been soaked in the boiling liquid. This will reduce the heat much more quickly than trying to remove the hot clothing. Lay the child down and comfort him. Cover the burned area with a piece of clean material such as a cool, ironed sheet or pillowcase. Immobilize a badly burned arm or leg. Arrange for prompt removal to a hospital if the burn or scald is severe.
* Do not apply butter, soap, creams, ointments, or oil dressings.
* Do not burst blisters, or cough over or touch the burned area.
Mouth or throat
Arrange transport to a hospital. Lay the child in recovery position. If he is not breathing, give artificial respiration. If he is conscious, give sips of cold water.
Chemical burns
Wash the burn thoroughly and continuously with running water until the chemical has been eliminated. Remove contaminated clothing. If an eye is affected, sit or lay the child down, with his head tilted straight back and turned toward the affected side. Flush the injured eye copiously with cool water. Apply a dressing gently over the eye. Arrange for urgent medical help.
Powder burns
Remove any foreign particles from the wound and wash with soap and water. Cover with a dry sterile dressing.
Sunburn
If reddening, itching, or peeling occurs, this means that the child’s skin is starting to burn. Cover with loose, clean clothing. Have the child sit in the shade and give him a cold drink.
If blistering or weeping from the skin occurs, cover with a clean cloth and consult a doctor for further treatment.
Electrical contact burns
Switch off the electricity or get the child away from the source of the current by using any dry nonmetallic object or by standing in a rubber mat. If he is not breathing, give artificial respiration. Treat as a burn.
Clothing on fire
Douse the flames with water. If not possible, roll the child in a rug, blanket, or coat. Pour cold water over burned area, wrap the child in clean material, and take to a hospital.
Choking
Choking occurs when an object, such as a lump of food, gets stuck in a child’s windpipe and prevents normal breathing. As a result, his face and neck are congested, and he may cough violently.
Treatment
An infant should be held upside down by his legs, and his back slapped vigorously three or four times.
Rather than hitting a child sharply on the back, it is best to use the Heimlich maneuver, which every parent should learn.
Fainting
A fright, fatigue, a debilitating illness, or injury to some part of the body may cause a child to faint. His face will be pale, his skin cold and any clammy, his breathing shallow, and his pulse weak and slow but gradually increasing.
Lay the child down and raise his legs slightly. Loosen his clothing at the neck, chest, and waist. Make sure he has plenty of fresh air; if breathing is labored, place in recovery position. As he regains consciousness, gradually raise him sips of water.
Impending faint
If the child feels giddy, his face is pale, and he starts to sweat, reassure him and urge him to breathe deeply