Ointments for burns (sunburn and boiling water): rules for selection and nuances of use for children. Children's burns: providing first aid Small burn on a child

– a type of injury that occurs when tissue is damaged by physical and chemical factors (thermal energy, electricity, ionizing radiation, chemicals, etc.). The clinical picture of burns in children depends on the factor involved, the location, depth, and extent of tissue damage and includes local (pain, hyperemia, swelling, blistering) and general manifestations (shock). The main tasks of diagnosing burns in children are to determine the nature of the burn injury, the depth and area of ​​damage, for which infrared thermography and measuring techniques are used. Treatment of burns in children requires anti-shock therapy, cleaning the burn surface, and applying bandages.

General information

Burns in children - thermal, chemical, electrical, radiation damage to the skin, mucous membranes and underlying tissues. Among the total number of people with burn injury, children make up 20–30%; Moreover, almost half of them are children under 3 years old. The mortality rate due to burns among children reaches 2-4%, in addition, about 35% of children remain disabled annually. The high prevalence of burns in the pediatric population, the tendency to develop burn disease and severe post-burn disorders make the prevention and treatment of burn injury in children a priority in pediatric surgery and traumatology.

The peculiarities of children's anatomy and physiology are such that the skin of children is thinner and more delicate than that of adults, has a developed circulatory and lymphatic network and, therefore, has greater thermal conductivity. This feature contributes to the fact that exposure to a chemical or physical agent, which in an adult causes only superficial damage to the skin, leads to a deep burn in a child. The helplessness of children during injury causes longer exposure to the damaging factor, which also contributes to the depth of tissue damage. In addition, imperfection of compensatory and regulatory mechanisms in children can lead to the development of burn disease even with damage to 5-10%, and in infancy or with a deep burn - only 3-5% of the body surface. Thus, any burns in children are more severe than in adults, since in childhood disorders of blood circulation, metabolism, and the functioning of vital organs and systems occur more quickly.

Causes and classification of burns in children

Depending on the damaging agent, burns in children are divided into thermal, chemical, electrical and radiation. The occurrence of thermal burns in children in most cases is caused by skin contact with boiling water, steam, open fire, melted fat, or hot metal objects. Young children are most often scalded by hot liquids (water, milk, tea, soup). Often, burns in children occur as a result of parental negligence, when they immerse the child in a bath that is too hot or leave them to warm up with heating pads for a long time. At school age, various pyrotechnic fun, lighting fires, “experiments” with flammable mixtures, etc. pose a particular danger to children. Such pranks with fire, as a rule, end in failure, since they often lead to extensive thermal burns. Thermal burns in children usually affect the integumentary tissue, but burns of the eyes, respiratory tract and digestive tract can also occur.

Chemical burns are less common and usually occur when household chemicals are not stored correctly and within the reach of children. Young children may accidentally spill acid or alkali on themselves, spill powdery substances, spray dangerous chemicals, or drink caustic liquids by mistake. When aggressive chemicals are ingested, a burn to the esophagus in children is combined with a burn to the oral cavity and respiratory tract.

The causes of electrical burns in young children are malfunction of electrical appliances, their improper storage and operation, the presence in the house of electrical outlets accessible to the child, and exposed exposed wires. Older children usually get electrical burns when playing near high-voltage lines, riding on the roofs of electric trains, or hiding in transformer boxes.

Radiation burns in children are most often associated with skin exposure to direct sunlight for a long period of time. In general, thermal burns in children account for about 65-80% of cases, electrical burns - 11%, and other types - 10-15%.

Within the framework of this topic, the features of thermal burns in children will be considered.

Symptoms of thermal burns in children

Depending on the depth of tissue damage, thermal burns in children can be of four degrees.

First degree burn(epidermal burn) is characterized by superficial damage to the skin due to short-term or low-intensity exposure. Children experience local pain, hyperemia, swelling and a burning sensation. At the site of the burn, slight peeling of the epidermis may be observed; superficial burns in children heal in 3-5 days on their own, completely without a trace or with the formation of slight pigmentation.

Second degree burn(superficial dermal burn) occurs with complete necrosis of the epidermis, under which clear liquid accumulates, forming blisters. Swelling, pain and redness of the skin are more pronounced. After 2–3 days, the contents of the bubbles become thick and jelly-like. Healing and restoration of the skin lasts about 2 weeks. With second degree burns in children, the risk of infection of the burn wound increases.

Third degree burn(deep dermal burn) can be of two types: IIIa degree - with preservation of the basal layer of the skin and IIIb degree - with necrosis of the entire thickness of the skin and partially the subcutaneous layer. Third degree burns in children occur with the formation of dry or wet necrosis. Dry necrosis is a dense scab of brown or black color, insensitive to touch. Wet necrosis has the appearance of a yellowish-gray scab with a sharp swelling of the tissue in the burn area. After 7-14 days, the scab begins to be rejected, and the complete healing process is delayed for 1-2 months. Epithelization of the skin occurs due to the preserved germ layer. IIIb degree burns in children heal with the formation of rough, inelastic scars.

IV degree burn(subfascial burn) is characterized by damage and exposure of tissues lying deeper than the aponeurosis (muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, bones and cartilage). Visually, with fourth degree burns, a dark brown or black scab is visible, through the cracks of which the affected deep tissues are visible. With such lesions, the burn process in children (wound cleansing, formation of granulations) proceeds slowly, local, primarily purulent, complications often develop - abscesses, phlegmons, arthritis. IV degree burns are accompanied by a rapid increase in secondary changes in tissues, progressive thrombosis, damage to internal organs and can result in the death of the child.

Burns of I, II and IIIa degrees in children are regarded as superficial, burns of IIIb and IV degrees - as deep. In pediatrics, as a rule, there is a combination of burns of various degrees.

Burn disease in children

In addition to local phenomena, burns in children often develop severe systemic reactions, which are characterized as burn disease. During a burn disease, there are 4 periods - burn shock, acute burn toxemia, burn septicopyemia and recovery.

Burn shock lasts 1-3 days. In the first hours after receiving a burn, children are excited, react sharply to pain, and scream (erectile phase of shock). Chills, increased blood pressure, increased breathing, and tachycardia are noted. In severe shock, body temperature may drop. 2–6 hours after the burn, children enter the torpid phase of shock: the child is adynamic, inhibited, makes no complaints and practically does not react to the environment. The torpid phase is characterized by arterial hypotension, rapid thready pulse, severe pallor of the skin, severe thirst, oliguria or anuria, and in severe cases, vomiting “coffee grounds” due to gastrointestinal bleeding. First degree burn shock develops in children with superficial damage to 15-20% of the body area; II degree – for burns of 20-60% of the body surface; III degree - more than 60% of the body area. Rapidly progressing burn shock leads to the death of the child on the first day.

With further development, the period of burn shock is replaced by a phase of burn toxemia, the manifestations of which are caused by the entry of decay products from damaged tissues into the general bloodstream. At this time, children who have received burns may experience fever, delirium, convulsions, tachycardia, arrhythmia; in some cases, coma. Against the background of toxemia, toxic myocarditis, hepatitis, acute erosive-ulcerative gastritis, secondary anemia, nephritis, and sometimes acute renal failure can develop. The duration of the period of burn toxemia is up to 10 days, after which, with deep or extensive burns in children, the septicotoxemia phase begins.

Burn septicotoxemia is characterized by the addition of a secondary infection and suppuration of the burn wound. The general condition of children with burns remains serious; complications are possible in the form of otitis media, ulcerative stomatitis, lymphadenitis, pneumonia, bacteremia, burn sepsis and burn exhaustion. During the recovery phase, the processes of restoration of all vital functions and scarring of the burn surface predominate.

Diagnosis of burns in children

Diagnosis of burns in children is made on the basis of anamnesis and visual examination. To determine the area of ​​the burn in young children, Lund-Browder tables are used, taking into account the change in the area of ​​​​various parts of the body with age. For children over 15 years of age, the rule of nine is used, and for limited burns, the rule of the palm is used.

Children with burns need to have their hemoglobin and hematocrit examined, a general urine test, and a biochemical blood test (electrolytes, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, etc.). In case of suppuration of a burn wound, the wound discharge is collected and bacteriologically inoculated for microflora.

It is mandatory (especially in case of electrical trauma in children) to be performed and repeated in the dynamics of the ECG. In case of a chemical burn of the esophagus in children, esophagoscopy (EGD) is necessary. If the respiratory tract is affected, bronchoscopy and lung radiography are required.

Treatment of burns in children

First aid for burns in children involves stopping the action of the thermal agent, freeing the affected area of ​​skin from clothing and cooling it (by washing with water, an ice pack). To prevent shock at the prehospital stage, the child can be given analgesics.

In a medical institution, primary treatment of the burn surface, removal of foreign bodies and scraps of epidermis are carried out. Anti-shock measures for burns in children include adequate pain relief and sedation, infusion therapy, antibiotic therapy, and oxygen therapy. Children who have not received appropriate preventive vaccinations are given emergency immunization against tetanus.

Local treatment of burns in children is carried out by closed, open, mixed or surgical methods. With the closed method, the burn wound is covered with an aseptic bandage. For dressings, antiseptics (chlorhexidine, furatsilin), film-forming aerosols, ointments (ofloxacin + lidocaine, chloramphenicol + methyluracil, etc.), enzyme preparations (chymotrypsin, streptokinase) are used. The open method of treating burns in children involves refusing to apply bandages and managing the patient under conditions of strict asepsis. It is possible to switch from a closed method to an open one to speed up the recovery process, or from an open to a closed one if an infection develops.

During the rehabilitation period, children with burns are prescribed exercise therapy, physiotherapy (Ural irradiation, laser therapy, magnetic laser therapy, ultrasound),

Prevention of burns in children, first of all, requires increased responsibility on the part of adults. A child should not be allowed to come into contact with fire, hot liquids, chemicals, electricity, etc. To do this, in a house where there are small children, safety measures must be provided (storing household chemicals in an inaccessible place, special plugs in sockets, hidden electrical wiring, etc.). d.). Constant supervision of children and a strict ban on touching dangerous objects are required.

In terms of the number of deaths, burn injuries are second only to automobile injuries. The greatest danger is burns in children, which happen quite often and can lead to severe injury or death. The condition of a burned baby is aggravated by the fact that not all parents know how to provide first aid and alleviate the child’s suffering. This is a serious omission, since 20% of cases of childhood injuries are burns of one origin or another.

Types of burns in children

As a rule, babies can suffer from thermal burns: boiling water, open fire, hot oil, etc. Leaving boiling water or an open fire unattended can cause serious injuries in children up to (80%). It’s not so bad if the baby just “scalded” his finger. Unfortunately, there are cases where children fell into boiling water and were boiled alive. Many people think that serious burns result solely from contact with boiling water. This is a misconception, because even water with a temperature of 50C° can cause 2nd or 3rd degree burns with a duration of exposure of 7-10 minutes. There are also known cases of serious burns resulting from contact with tap water.

A discovered jar or bottle with a chemically aggressive substance also causes a burn, because the child will definitely look at what’s inside and, in some cases, taste it. Although it should be noted that chemical burns in everyday life are a rare occurrence, since vigilant parents store medicines, garden pesticides and household chemicals in places inaccessible to the baby.

Household electrical appliances connected to the network and left unattended lead to severe skin injuries in 8% of all cases of childhood burns. At risk are mobile phone chargers. There are cases when a baby grabs a bare plug, pulls it into his mouth and gets seriously injured.

Excessive exposure to the aggressive rays of the sun is rarely fatal, but can cause a fairly deep burn on the baby’s delicate skin.

Video first aid for burns in children

Classification of burns in children

Burns are classified according to the degree of damage and can be 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th degree. To properly provide first aid, it is necessary to examine the child’s skin affected by the burn. If the skin turns red or becomes blistered in a small area (finger, palm, etc.) - it’s not so scary. If the blisters immediately burst or charring occurs, and the affected area is extensive, every second of delay can lead to the death of the baby.

Important! When calling a doctor, you should describe the nature of the damage and report the approximate area of ​​the burn (one palm of the victim makes up 1% of his body).

If the area of ​​damage to a 1st degree burn exceeds 15%, 2nd degree - 5%, 3rd degree - 0.5%, then the child may develop a dangerous condition called “burn disease”. To protect the child from complications, you should urgently take him to. Before arriving at the emergency room, the victim must be given water (at least one and a half liters per hour).

If a baby of the first year of life is injured, he should be shown to a doctor for any degree of burn.

How to help a child with a heat burn?

Remove the effect of the damage factor: turn on the water tap, turn off the iron, remove the child from the fire, etc.

Cool the affected area with cold water. To do this, direct a stream of water onto the burned area and leave for 15 minutes. If you do not wait the required time, the skin will not cool down, and the burn will go deeper, since the heating of the tissues continues for some time. If blisters appear on the skin, there is no need to direct the water jet directly at them, as they may burst.

If we are talking about a 1st or 2nd degree burn with redness and blisters, you should moisten a sterile cotton-gauze bandage and apply it to the affected area, not allowing it to dry out. Some parents, having made sure that the baby’s life is not in danger, do not rush to see a specialist. However, it should be remembered that burned skin heals very poorly; the help of a specialist can speed up this process and make it more effective.

If the burn is very serious and is accompanied by burst blisters and charring, you should apply a bandage and only then cool the affected area. Grade 4 is accompanied by severe pain and can lead to shock. Cooling the affected surface will ease the pain.

What absolutely should not be done in case of a thermal burn?

• Leaving an injured child unattended and refusing medical help;
• Lubricate the burn with oils, creams, ointments, etc. means. Only water!!!
• Trying to tear off baked-on clothes;
• Pop blisters.

It should be remembered that only a qualified specialist can prescribe treatment that is effective and safe for the child’s body.

How to help a child with a chemical burn?

• Carefully remove the damaging factor, acting carefully, not forgetting about your own safety.
• If there are instructions for a chemical product, you need to read it to learn about the specifics of using the product. It will also be written there: “rinse off with water” or “do not wash off with water,” and forewarned means forearmed.
• If it can be washed off, the substance must be washed off under running water so that the flowing water does not affect healthy skin.
• If an eye is injured, a wet bandage soaked in saline solution should be applied to both eyes.
• In case of a chemical burn, it is strictly forbidden to use any substance to neutralize acid or alkali (if these substances caused the burn). This can aggravate the child’s condition and cause additional heat burns.

How to help a child with a sunburn?

If parents have forgotten about the basic rules for keeping their child in the sun, and overheating still occurs, the most important thing is to alleviate the baby’s condition.

If a child's skin turns red, he becomes lethargic and apathetic, and his temperature rises - this is a sunburn.

Cold bandages should be applied to areas where large blood vessels are located and to the child’s forehead. You can place bottles filled with cold water in your armpits.

If the burn is severe and blisters appear on the skin, apply a damp cloth to the affected area and give the child cool water: 200-400 ml.

If the baby loses consciousness, you need to call a doctor.

Before a specialist arrives, first aid must be provided. There is no need to use ammonia, slap your cheeks or pour water on it. It is enough to place the baby on his back and slightly raise his legs.

It should be remembered that the child's body is quite unpredictable. And, in order to protect your child from dangerous conditions, you should consult a doctor even for the most minor burns. A competent specialist will prescribe symptomatic treatment.

Important! Adequate first aid for a burn is the most important component of successful treatment. And in some cases, it is first aid that can protect a child from death.

Attention! The use of any medications and dietary supplements, as well as the use of any therapeutic methods, is possible only with the permission of a doctor.

Children learn about the world around them through their senses, one of which is touch. But not all objects can be touched - the baby of even the most attentive and responsible parents can get burned. It is enough to pull the edge of the tablecloth towards you from the table on which there is hot tea, grab the sole of the iron or the handle of a pan of boiling water. Children's skin also suffers on the beach during prolonged sunbathing. What to do if a child gets burned, how to provide first aid to your baby?

Causes of thermal and chemical childhood burns

In most cases, children become victims of thermal or chemical exposure to the skin. Causes of burns caused by high temperatures:

Less commonly, children get burns caused by chemicals - acid or alkali. Aggressive compounds are present in our lives in the form of means for removing carbon deposits from frying pans and hobs, gels for cleaning toilets and removing rust, and liquids for bleaching clothes. Some of them can only be handled with protective gloves, which the child may not know about.

What types of burns are there?

Thermal or chemical burns are classified according to severity. Doctors distinguish four stages:

• First. The upper layer of the dermis is affected - redness appears at the site of exposure, and the child feels pain.
• Second. This degree of damage is characterized by the involvement of the subcutaneous layer in the inflammatory process. One or more blisters filled with clear liquid may appear in the affected area. The child may complain of pain and burning that does not go away for a long period.
• Third. A dangerous type of burn that requires immediate specialist intervention. Tissue damage affects the superficial and internal layers of the dermis and muscles. The third stage can have two varieties - A and B. The first is characterized by the appearance of blisters in a dense membrane, the formation of scabs, and swelling of adjacent areas. In stage B, the presence of pus, tissue necrosis, and ulcers is noted.
• Fourth. At this stage, the skin, subcutaneous layer, muscles, and tendons suffer. Sometimes a child’s burn reaches the bone - charring and complete necrosis of the affected tissues are noted.

What is the danger of a burn in a child?

Healthy epithelial tissue synthesizes fibronectin (glycoprotein), which is involved in the binding of immune cells to pathogens. The occurrence of a burn is damage to the epithelial layer, which ceases to function fully. This leads not only to pain, but also to the possible development of complications.

The body in children is especially sensitive to damage to the dermis, so the likelihood of infection is high.

First aid for burns at home

Timely and competent first aid is the key to successful treatment of a burn. In addition, the correct actions of parents help to avoid aggravation of the problem, because later it will be much more difficult to treat. In case of a thermal burn (exposure to an iron, hot water), experts recommend proceeding according to the following scheme:

If the burn is caused by exposure to chemicals (acid or alkali), the affected area should be held under running cold water. This must be done in order to wash off the remnants of the aggressive compound from the skin. It is recommended to wash burns in children for at least a quarter of an hour. The acidic component can be neutralized with a solution of soda and water (2–3%) or soap, and the alkaline component can be neutralized by washing with a weak solution of citric acid.

How to treat thermal and chemical burns?

Treatment of 2nd-3rd degree burns should be medicinal, and folk recipes can be used as auxiliary therapy. In severe cases, immediate hospitalization and skin grafting are indicated. The course of drugs should prescribed by a doctor who is guided by the severity of the young patient’s condition, age, and also takes into account contraindications. Treatment of chemical and thermal burns is almost the same, however, in the first case, the degree of damage to the skin is finally determined only after 5 - 7 days.

Pharmacy drugs

The goal of therapy is to relieve inflammation, dry the wound (if necessary), and stop the proliferation of pathogens. In this case, the body will be able to independently cope with the damage and restore the epidermis. In a standard situation, burn treatment is carried out according to the following scheme:

• Elimination of hyperemia, reduction of inflammation. Preparations based on dexpanthenol are used. It is recommended to apply such products in the first minutes after receiving a burn. If there are blisters or weeping ulcers, stronger drugs are used for treatment (we recommend reading:).
• Antiseptic. Sometimes the doctor recommends pre-treating the wound with Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, a solution of Furacilin or potassium manganese to eliminate microorganisms that could get on the surface of the wound. In this case, it is advisable to remove the remaining antiseptic by blotting the wound with a piece of gauze or bandage.
• It is recommended to apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area. This could be Levomekol, Doxycycline. Apply a thin layer twice a day.
• In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics.
• If relief does not occur within 2-3 days, you should consult a specialist. The doctor may change the prescription or suggest hospitalization.
• If a baby under one year old is injured, he must be shown to a pediatrician, regardless of the extent of the damage. At the same time, infants are less likely to become victims of burns, unlike one-year-old children and preschoolers.

In the hospital, doctors carry out initial treatment of the wound, removing particles of debris, foreign bodies, and dead tissue. Next, a set of anti-shock measures is performed: pain relief with analgesics, the use of sedatives, and a course of infusion therapy. If necessary, the child is prescribed antibiotics, as well as an emergency tetanus vaccination.

Folk recipes

There are many ways to help your child with improvised means at home. Traditional medicine recipes are time-tested and do not use expensive ingredients. Most Popular:

• Raw potatoes. You can apply root vegetables crushed into pulp or cut into small slices to the burn site. Carrots and beets also have healing properties. You can apply the juice squeezed from these vegetables to the burn.
• Cabbage. Fresh leaves have the ability to relieve inflammation and lower the temperature of the burned area of ​​the skin. You should apply a cabbage leaf to the wound, and after half an hour replace it with a fresh one.
• Oak bark. Prepare a decoction of oak bark, moisten a bandage folded several times in it, and apply to the wound. Do the procedure 3-4 times a day.

Possible consequences

First- and second-degree burns usually heal within a week and do not pose a threat to the child’s health. In case of massive skin damage or 3rd-4th degree burns, it is important that therapy is carried out on time.

Possible consequences include:

• Infection of the damaged area. A weeping wound is an ideal environment for the proliferation of pathogens (we recommend reading:). The inflammatory process caused by bacteria can lead to burn phlegmon or pyoderma.
• After wounds heal, scars may form. In addition to a cosmetic problem, such consequences can cause limited mobility and functionality of the limbs (palms, feet, joints of the arms, legs).
• If the area of ​​damaged skin reaches 20–25% of the surface of the entire body, dehydration is noted. If measures are not taken in a timely manner, serious consequences, including death, can occur.

What should you not do if you have a burn?

In a stressful situation, many parents make a number of mistakes, trying to alleviate the baby’s suffering as quickly as possible. If a child is burned, the following actions are unacceptable:

• The use of oil-based medications, especially in the first minutes after the baby burns his hand with an iron or is scalded with boiling water. The fatty component of the product forms an impenetrable film on the surface of the wound, which is why the damaged tissue does not cool down, but continues to collapse under the influence of high temperature.
• Do not use alcohol-containing products: brilliant green, iodine, calendula tincture. Such drugs irritate the wound surface, which worsens pain.
• Do not rush to immediately anoint the wound after a burn with a medical product - first you need to reduce the temperature of the affected area.
• If blisters have formed at the site of the burn, you should not puncture them; it is advisable to have this manipulation performed by a specialist. Otherwise, there is a high probability of wound infection, which can lead to complications.
• You should not cover the wound with a band-aid even after the skin has peeled off. It is better to use a sterile, breathable dressing.

Not every adult knows what to do if a child gets burned. In such a situation, many people panic. It is important to remember in which cases it is necessary to immediately call a team of doctors, and when you can help the victim yourself. A burn in a child requires appropriate treatment so that there are no scars left in the future. The further condition of the baby depends on the speed and correctness of first aid and the accurate determination of the area of ​​damage.

Types and severity of burns

Burns in children, as in adults, are divided into 4 types according to the degree of damage:

• 1st degree. At this stage, only the outer layer of the epidermis is injured (the epidermis is the top layer of the skin). The child experiences severe pain, the skin begins to itch and turn red, but no blisters appear.
• 2nd degree. A burn occurs across the entire thickness of the epidermis. The affected area becomes very soft and persistent redness is observed. Large bubbles appear. This degree of burns is caused by prolonged contact with a hot object, for example, contact with the surface of a stove or boiling water. Healing lasts up to 14 days.
• 3rd degree. Not only the epidermis is damaged, but also the dermis (lower layer of skin). The skin takes on a pale appearance, it is very dry, and can be tough. With severe burns, sensitivity is lost. Stage 3 most often occurs upon contact with current, hot liquids, and chemicals. Blisters at this stage often burst, leaving open wounds. Healing takes up to 2 months.
• 4th degree. The most severe condition is accompanied by damage to the dermis, muscle and bone tissue. Very deep wounds remain, and even charring may occur. Appears during prolonged contact with high voltage, as well as under the influence of high temperature after an explosion. A burn is often accompanied by purulent complications in the form of an abscess and phlegmon.

All types of burns are divided into 4 types due to their occurrence:

• thermal;
• chemical;
• electrical;
• radial.

Thermal injuries occur due to contact with hot steam, boiling water, boiling liquids, oils, and open fire. Chemical burns are caused by the following substances: acids, alkalis, phosphorus, and some cauterizing solutions such as kerosene.

The electrical type of injury occurs after contact with electrical appliances, exposed wires, or after a lightning strike. The radiation appearance is observed after prolonged exposure to ionizing, infrared, and ultraviolet rays.

Chemical, electrical, thermal and radiation injuries require properly administered first aid. Special attention should be paid to assessing the area that was burned. The area of ​​damage is calculated using the “nine” method. According to this principle, each part of the body has its own percentage:

• head and neck area – 9%;
• hand – 9%;
• leg – 18%;
• front part of the body – 18%;
• back of the body – 18;
• perineum – 1%.

The area of ​​the burn is also calculated based on the area of ​​the palm. It is believed that the surface of the palm from the inside is equal to 1% of the total area of ​​the body. When calling doctors, indicate the approximate area of ​​the burn, this will help the ambulance team prepare.

When to call an ambulance

You need to seek help from a medical facility if:

• burn in a baby;
• a large area of ​​the body is affected;
• there are open wounds;
• an area the size of the victim’s palm or more is affected;
• trauma to the head, mouth, lips, nose has occurred (this means a risk of damage to the respiratory system);
• clothing stuck to the skin as a result of contact with open fire, steam or a hot surface;
• there are signs of 2, 3 and 4 degrees of damage.

If there are blisters on the skin with thick and dark liquid inside, then this indicates the presence of infection in the wound. Self-medication in this case will only worsen the condition.

What to do if a child gets burned: first aid

The skin of babies is delicate and very thin, so it is quickly injured. First aid for a child with a burn depends on the degree of tissue damage. If a child has grade 1 or 2 injuries, first aid should be as follows:

1. Eliminate the source of damage.
2. If the burn occurred due to hot oil or boiling water, then the damaged area should be placed under running water for 15-20 minutes to cool. Ice should not be applied.
3. If bubbles with a clear liquid inside appear, then apply a clean, sterile cloth, pre-moistened in cold water, to the skin.
4. If the area that is burned is larger than the palm of the injured child, you should immediately call an ambulance.

First aid for burns for children involves the use of quick-acting products: Panthenol spray, Olazol cream. This therapy is suitable for treating grade 1 and 2 wounds, but it is important to consider the area of ​​exposure. You can treat a child’s burn with a cream, spray or ointment only after the area has cooled.

If the injury is in the third degree, first aid should be as follows:

1. Remove the source of injury.
2. Place a clean and damp cloth over the wound site. If the area is too large, you can completely wrap the entire body in a cold, damp sheet.
3. Call an ambulance.
4. Burns of this degree are very painful. Any painkiller (Ibuprofen, Nurofen) will help the child. If this is not the case, an antipyretic drug (Paracetamol) will help out.
5. Always give the victim a large amount of water, preferably with a little salt.

It is important not to puncture the resulting blisters or tear off stuck clothing from the child’s body. If there is a 3rd degree, then applying any sprays or creams to the burn site is contraindicated.

Further treatment of burns in children

When a child is burned, but the area of ​​damage is small, and the wound has redness or a blister, then such an injury can be treated at home. To find out how to treat a burn and not cause even more harm to the child, it is still better to seek medical help.

Medicines

It is important for parents to understand that the wound healing process in a child after a burn has its own cyclical nature. If there is a 1-2 degree injury, then the following pharmaceuticals are suitable:

• For the first two days, treat the wound with antiseptic compounds without alcohol - Betadine, Dioxyzol, Panthenol.
• To relieve tissue swelling, you can use Nitacid or Oflocain ointments.
• When the burn is cleansed of dead cells, fat-based antiseptic ointments (Streptonitol) are suitable.
• Speedy tissue regeneration is triggered by Solcoseryl, Algofin and sea buckthorn oil.
• The best way to numb a child's burn is Argosulfan. It has virtually no contraindications and is approved for use by children over one year of age.

If there is a burn on a child’s palm, scalp, lips, nose, then you should not neglect medical help. In this case, calling an ambulance is mandatory, because damage to the upper respiratory tract is possible.

Surgery

If the affected area has grade 3 damage, then further treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. Often, stage 3 is treated in a hospital, by administering antitetanus serum, painkillers and sedatives. Blisters with thick contents are incised and anti-burn gel dressings are applied.

In case of severe tissue damage of grade 4, surgeons perform anti-shock therapy, and skin transplantation is possible.

Folk remedies

A child can apply traditional medicine to the burn. This will help speed up healing. But be sure to discuss any additional therapy methods with your doctor.

A few simple recipes:

• Compress made from grated raw potatoes. Wash and peel the vegetables. Grate on a coarse grater, place on sterile gauze or several layers of bandage. Keep on the burn site for about 20 minutes. Do not use this method for injuries with open blisters.
• Antiseptic bandage made from calendula or arnica (ointment, tincture). The method is used to avoid infection. The bandage is only applied to injuries with closed blisters. You only need to treat the skin around the wound.
• Lotions based on lavender oil. The method is good only at the stage of wound healing; it cannot be used immediately after tissue damage. Add 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil to 10 ml of olive oil. Apply the finished mixture to a clean bandage and keep on the skin for 2 hours.
• Aloe juice compress. Select thick and fleshy leaves from the plant. Wash them well and remove the outer skin. There should be one transparent pulp left, which is then finely ground to a pulp. Place the prepared mixture on a clean bandage and apply to the wound. The method is approved for the treatment of 1-2 degree burns.

What to do if a child burns his hand? When the skin of your hands is damaged, the main thing is to quickly cool the damaged area. First, it is enough to hold your hands under running water for 20 minutes, and then you can apply a cool, damp cloth. Further treatment comes down to regular treatment of the skin with Panthenol. Compresses based on furatsilin and raw potatoes will help as additional therapy.

What to do in case of a chemical burn in a child: treatment features

If a child spills a chemical liquid on himself, then the algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Remove clothing that has chemical residue on it.
2. Keep the damaged area under running water for 25 minutes.
3. If the burn was caused by acid, then it must be treated with a 2% soda solution or just soapy water.
4. If the injury was caused by an alkali, a weak solution of acetic acid or lemon juice will help neutralize its effect.
5. After neutralizing the chemical composition, apply a damp, clean cloth to the damaged area.
6. Subsequent treatment should be supervised by a physician.

With minor damage, a chemical burn goes away without special treatment, but with extensive tissue damage, you need to call an ambulance.

Dangerous consequences

A burn is manifested not only by local tissue damage. Children often develop a parallel systemic reaction in the form of a burn disease. It includes 4 stages:

• burn shock;
• burn toxemia;
• septicopyemia;
• recovery period.

The first stage takes from 1 to 3 days. Children during this period suffer greatly from pain, they constantly cry and scream. The child has increased blood pressure, tachycardia, and body temperature may decrease. After 3-6 hours, the child, on the contrary, becomes passive, he stops responding to the environment.

Burn toxemia is a period when damaged tissue enters the systemic circulation. Children during this period experience a feverish state, convulsions and arrhythmia may appear.

The third stage involves suppuration of the wound, the baby’s condition is greatly aggravated, and serious complications often occur, including pneumonia, sepsis, and lymphadenitis.

No matter how much parents want to protect their children from everything in the world, troubles sometimes happen. One of these is burns: solar, household and others.

It is important for parents to know what first aid measures to take. Sprays and ointments are usually used to promote rapid healing and recovery.

The list of such remedies is wide, and you need to know which drug is best to choose depending on the damage.

When can and cannot be used in childhood

Ointments - the most popular burn remedies for children; They act gently and effectively, most of them can be used even for the smallest - babies up to one year old, others are intended for older children.

Products in the form of ointments and creams can be used at home for 1st and 2nd degree burns with a small lesion.

At the first stage, there is redness of the skin, a burning sensation, and slight swelling. The second stage is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as watery blisters.

You need to apply the drug carefully, do not rub it into the damaged area, but create a protective layer.

Ointments are used only when the volume of lesions is no more than 5% of the total body area, regardless of stage.

Under no circumstances should they be used for tissue necrosis. For burns of stages 3 and 4, urgent hospitalization is required.

Operating principle

For home treatment of burns external agents are used in the form of ointments and creams. Their action is aimed at pain relief, rapid recovery and disinfection of the affected surface.

They are easy to apply and spread well over the surface. Ointments include fats and oils, which allows them to create a protective film over the burn, preventing infection from the outside.

Please note that burn ointments are indicated for minor injuries. If, in addition to redness and swelling, necrotic processes are observed, under no circumstances should you treat the child yourself - you need to take him to a hospital, where he will receive professional help.

For minor household burns, for example, from boiling water, children's ointments such as Levosin are quite suitable for children. The product is applicable for both simple redness and the appearance of watery blisters.

The drug contains an anesthetic and an antibiotic, which explains its effectiveness, since pain relief and disinfection are the most important goals of first aid.

For burns, a popular ointment for children is one that includes a healing component and antiseptic immunomodulators.

This product is convenient to use over large areas. It is safe for children, since it does not contain components that inhibit the epidermis.

From sun and thermal burns for children wound healing preparations in the form of ointments are indicated. Particular attention should be paid to those that contain sea buckthorn oil - it effectively combats the consequences of burns. Medicines based on it (and Olazol) are safe and have almost no contraindications.

But it is important to make sure that the child is not allergic to the oil, so first apply a small amount of the composition to a healthy area of ​​skin and monitor the reaction.

Overview of commonly prescribed drugs

In the pharmacy you can find a large number of drugs that can be used to treat burns in children.

Among them it is worth highlighting the following:

• . The ointment has an antimicrobial effect and at the same time restores the water balance in the tissues. Can be used even for complex lesions.

  According to the instructions, the drug is contraindicated for children under three years of age, but in practice it is often prescribed to children aged 1-3 years.

  

  The drug is used for dressings up to five times a day. If a child experiences pain and does not allow the affected area to be lubricated, then a medical napkin can be soaked in the composition and then applied to the affected area.

  The ointment can be used during treatment and at the rehabilitation stage - it improves local immunity and accelerates healing.

• Radevit. The drug contains a large amount of vitamins A, D and E, accelerates the healing of burn lesions at the final stage of therapy. Can even be used on the face, helping reduce the risk of scars and blemishes.

  

  The ointment is contraindicated during the acute period of inflammation - it is used when the wounds have healed and are healing. Can be used even for the little ones. The product is applied to the skin 2-3 times a day and rubbed in easily.

• Rescuer. Product based on natural ingredients, animal and plant. There are no contraindications (except for individual intolerance) and no age restrictions.

  

  Can be used at any stage of the problem, helps speed up healing and relieve discomfort.

• . The drug fights minor sun and household burns. It contains the active substance dexpanthenol, which promotes rapid healing and recovery. The auxiliary substances cool and numb the affected area.

  

  You can use it on any area (face, abdomen and back, legs and arms), applying to them 2-3 times a day.

• Panthenol. It is used for burns of any type (solar, thermal, chemical). Significantly accelerates regeneration processes. Available in the form of ointment and spray foam.

  It is prescribed for post-burn purulent formations - it will accelerate the outflow of pus and the process of growth of healthy tissue.

  

  If a child’s injury causes severe pain, which makes it difficult to lubricate it, a spray is recommended - this minimizes the mechanical impact.

• . Antibacterial drug for external use. In addition to the ointment form, it is available in powder form. Effective in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms and fungi.

  For the treatment of deep burn wounds or when an infection is attached, both forms of the drug are indicated for use simultaneously. First, ointment is applied to the wound, and then it is sprinkled with powder.

  

  You can repeat the procedure 2-4 times a day. The drug is approved even for newborns. It is effective for 1-3 degree burns. To prevent infection, it can be used at the initial stage.

  In theory, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction in young children and toddlers who are hypersensitive, but in practice such cases are rare.

Application Features

Most ointments several times a day applied to damaged areas of skin. Regardless of the stage, they are approved for use when no more than 5% of the entire body surface is affected.

Medicines can be applied using open or closed methods. For children, closed dressings are preferable. The drug is applied to the damaged area, and then it is wrapped with a sterile bandage.

You cannot put patches on top of medications - you need to leave the skin the opportunity to breathe, then the healing process will speed up.

Contraindications

Each ointment has its own list of contraindications, but it is worth highlighting the general points. Most drugs cannot be used for serious burns of stages 3-4, accompanied by necrosis and large areas of damage. In this case, hospitalization is required.

Consider the possibility of hypersensitivity to the components of the medication, so it is recommended to first test it on a healthy area.

If sea buckthorn oil and other components of plant origin are present in the composition, there is a risk of an allergic reaction to them.

If a child suffers a burn, parents need to take into account a number of recommendations. First, these lesions will heal faster if they are not bandaged. If the wound has not healed within two weeks, you need to go to the clinic.

When to go to the doctor:

• If the face, hands, feet, genitals, joints were burned, scarring of these parts of the body can cause disruption of their functioning.
• If the child has a fever for more than 12 hours after the injury.
• When pus accumulates in the formed blister.
• In case of burn from electric shock. The lesion may be much more extensive than is visible on the skin.
• In case of chemical damage, rinse the wound thoroughly with running water. If a child is burned with acid, it is necessary to apply a sterile napkin to the wound, after moistening it in a weak soda solution; if with alkali, then moisten it in a weak solution of acetic or citric acid. If the burn injury was caused by quicklime, you can help the baby with sunflower oil.

Sunburn usually appears after 8-24 hours. They can cover a large area of ​​the body, but are generally shallow.

Cooling compresses, ointments or sprays are used for treatment. It is important for the victim to drink plenty of fluids.

If a baby has a burn, then in many cases ointments can help. But pay attention to the depth and nature of the lesion - often it is impossible to do without the intervention of doctors.

In contact with