Contents
How to treat burns
It all depends on the severity…
If his skin has reddened. It is most certainly a first degree burn, only the epidermis was affected. Although very painful, these burns can be treated at home and heal in less than a week, leaving no scars.
Her skin is red, hot, and swollen. If the skin under these small blisters is red, it means that it is still well irrigated. It is a superficial second degree burn that can be treated at home. But be careful, the wound must be carefully monitored to detect any onset of infection.
If the skin is gray, it is a deep second degree burn that requires medical advice.
Her skin is brownish and unresponsive. He suffered from a third degree burn requiring emergency hospitalization.
Depending on the extent and location. Any second degree burn, even superficial, requires medical advice if it is extensive or localized on the face, hands, feet, flexion folds (back of the knee, bend of the elbow, inside of the hands) or the orifices. natural (anus, genitals, mouth).
Home care
The first degree. Cool the affected area under cool tap water (15-20 °) for 10 minutes to calm the pain and limit the spread of the burn. Then apply a healing and calming ointment, Biafine type, in a thick layer. Reapply several times a day and follow the progress of healing. If signs of infection appear, seek medical attention promptly.
The second degree. You also need to cool it down without delay. Do not hesitate to give your child a dose of paracetamol if the cool water has not been enough to calm the pain. Then apply a non-alcoholic antiseptic, such as Hexomédine, then make a closed dressing: apply a layer of fatty tulle (without camphor or Peruvian balsam) to limit the adhesion between the burn and the dressing, then a sterile compress and hold the together using a sticking plaster. You can also get “special burns” dressings in pharmacies. Renew the dressing every 2 days and watch the wound carefully to identify any early infection (the risk is significant). If after a few days the lesion does not heal and shows signs of infection, see a doctor.
What to do in an emergency ?
While waiting for help to arrive (call 15 or 18) or before taking your child to the emergency room, it is also essential to cool the wound for about 10 minutes with water at 15-20 ° C. Then, in the event of an extensive burn, cover the entire burned area with a clean cloth made of natural fibers (eg a sheet). In the event of a deep but small burn, apply a sheet of oily tulle covered with a bandage.
Baby has a burn on the foot: we act
A sand that has heated too much in the sun, an embers that escapes from the campfire… and it is the sole of the foot that is burnt! For a simple burn (when its surface area does not exceed half that of your child’s palm), cool it down by spraying it with cold water and gentle for at least five minutes, and protect it from a Pad.Do not spread any greasy product on it et never pierce the blisters. Consult as soon as possible in the event of a deeper burn.
Basic products for first aid
So remember to fill a box, closed and inaccessible to your child, with all the products specially reserved for Baby in case of emergency. And don’t forget to carefully store your health record.
– an electronic or gallium thermometer; – a typical analgesic / antipyretic, adapted to the weight of your pitchoun; – one; – doses of physiological serum for washing the nose; – a colorless antiseptic such as chlorhexidine and compresses; – dressings adhesive; – rounded scissors for; – splinter forceps; – diaper rash (zinc oxide) ointment; – antiallergic plaster; – self-adhesive stretch band.
If the situation is more serious, examine your little one and, depending on his condition, alert or have the emergency services alerted after taking the first steps. Call 15 (SAMU). This number allows you to have appropriate medical advice in addition to the possible sending of professional help.
Treat baby wounds
First reflex: wash your hands well with soap and water of course! Gently cleanse the wound with soap and water, if necessary with a sterile pad. You can also use an antiseptic.
And then leave the sore in the air or apply an adhesive bandage.
If your baby has not been vaccinated against tetanus, consult the pediatrician the same day. The following days, watch the progress of the wound: if it becomes red, swells, is very painful or if the fever appears, take your little one to the doctor.