The kinds of burns range from very severe and life endangering to minor burns that can be easily treated at home.  The source of a burn can be anything from a house fire to a burner on the stove.  The more severe burns need immediate medical treatment. 

Burns are classified in three categories, the first, second and third degree burns.  The most minor kind of burn classification is the first degree burn which is some redness and swelling and a little pain as the result  of a momentary contact with something very hot.

The next classification of burns are called second degree burns and also have some pain with redness that is much more apparent usually accompanied by blisters.

The more severe burn is the third degree burn and it may not be accompanied by pain because the never endings are damaged. In the event that your child is burned and you must wait to get them to the emergency care facility or you have to wait for an ambuliance to arrive, the best course of action is to remove any clothing from the area that has been burned unless the clothing is sticking to the skin.  To help decrease the pain you can run cool water, not cold water, over the area of the burn.  Doing any other kind of treatment could result in making the burn worse which includes the ‘old wives tale’ of putting butter or any other home remedies or ointments on the burn.  For a first degree burn only you can use a sterile gauze bandage over the burned area. 

Emergency care treatment is needed when the burns are either second or third degree burns or if the burn is in a very large area.  If this is the case, you can cover the area with a clean soft cloth or towel until you can get to the hospital.  Medical attention is needed if the burn begins to get redder or if there are red stripes under the area of the burn or if pus appears.  This is a sign of infection and needs immediate attention.  If the burn is on the genitals, face, scalp or hands they should be cared for by a health care professional.  Also, anytime the burn came from touching an elecrical wire or socket, chemicals or a fire the person needs immediate medical attention. 

It is always best to not allow your child to play in the kitchen area while you are using the stove or to be around space heaters, curling irons that are plugged in or lite candles.  Also, radiators can get very hot and burn little hands.  Check the temperature of the bath water and any hot beverages before your child touches them.