While most of us like to think it would never happen to our child, it is, unfortunately, one of those things that can occur so easily - your little pulls a cup of tea down on themselves or hot oil splashes them and they get injured.
However, knowing what to do if it does happen will ensure any pain or lasting damage is kept to a minimum.
Remember, a scald is not the same a burn which can occur by tipping a hot hob for example, but rather occurs when hot liquid touches your little one’s delicate skin.
1. Hold the injury under running cold water for at least ten minutes. If you don’t have any water to hand cold milk or even juice can help to cool the area. Avoid placing your little one entirely under a cold shower or in the bath as this can cause hypothermia. Never place ice directly onto their skin.
2. If it is extreme call an ambulance and leave the water running over the injury until they arrive.
3. Remove restrictive clothing in case of swelling but don’t try to pull it off if it is stuck to the skin - this can cause even more pain. If you are taking off items do so quickly and without delay.
4. Depending on the severity, cover the injury loosely with a plastic bag or pillow case to protect it from getting infected.
5. Take your little one to the hospital or call an ambulance even if you think the injury is quite small; location, size and depth of burn can pose varying risks to your child. Always call an ambulance if it covers a large area of their body.
6. Don’t apply creams, lotions or oils to the skin and avoid putting a plaster on the area as it can get stuck to the wound.
