Clinical Portal 2026Dr. Murali Gopal
Parent guide

Burns and Scalds in Children

Preventing common household burns and knowing when a burn needs urgent medical care.

Parent GuideReviewed
Cool running waterNo home creamsCover looselyCheck red flags

Dr. Murali Gopal

Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Burns in children can be more serious than they first look. Cool the burn, keep the child safe, and seek urgent care for concerning burns.

Common prevention steps

  • Keep hot drinks, kettles, irons, hair straighteners, incense, candles, and hot pans away from edges and child reach.
  • Turn pan handles inward and keep children away from cooking areas.
  • Check bath water before the child enters and run cold water first when mixing bath water.
  • Keep matches, lighters, fireworks, chemicals, and electrical cords locked away or out of reach.

Immediate first response principles

  • Move the child away from heat, flame, electricity, steam, or chemicals if it is safe to do so.
  • Cool the burn with clean running water while arranging help for significant burns.
  • Remove loose clothing or jewellery near the burn if it is not stuck to the skin.
  • Cover the area loosely with a clean non-stick dressing or clean covering while seeking care.

What not to do

  • Do not apply toothpaste, ghee, butter, oil, turmeric, ice, powders, or home remedies to a burn.
  • Do not burst blisters or peel skin.
  • Do not remove clothing stuck to the burn.
  • Do not delay care for burns to the face, hands, genitals, joints, airway concern, electrical burns, chemical burns, or large or deep burns.

Red flags / when to seek urgent care

Seek urgent medical care for any burn that is large, deep, white or charred, caused by electricity or chemicals, on the face, hands, feet, genitals, across a joint, or associated with breathing difficulty, smoke inhalation, severe pain, or a baby or toddler. Call emergency services for airway concern, major burns, or an unwell child.

Medical disclaimer

General education only This guide does not replace emergency care, burn-depth assessment, dressing decisions, pain assessment, diagnosis, or individualized advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

References

  1. Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Kids Health Info: Burns and scalds - prevention and first aid. Accessed 24 May 2026.
  2. NHS. Burns and scalds guidance. Accessed 24 May 2026.
  3. St John Ambulance. Burns first aid resources. Accessed 24 May 2026.
  4. World Health Organization. Child injury prevention resources. Accessed 24 May 2026.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026.

Medical review

Reviewed byDr. Murali Gopal

Last reviewed2026-07-01

Medical review statusClinician reviewed

ReferencesRCH Kids Health Info burns and scalds prevention and first aid; NHS burns and scalds guidance; St John Ambulance first aid burn resources; WHO child injury prevention resources

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This parent guide is for general education only and does not replace consultation with your child’s paediatrician. Please seek medical care urgently if your child appears seriously unwell, has breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, altered responsiveness, or if you are worried.

© Dr. Murali Gopal | For Patient Education Only This educational material is intended for parent and patient education. Reproduction, redistribution, or modification without permission is not allowed.