Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

First-Degree Burn in Children

What is a first-degree burn?

A burn is damage to tissues of the body caused by contact with things such as heat, radiation, or chemicals. A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). 

What causes a first-degree burn in a child?

The causes of a first-degree burn can include:

  • Mild sunburn

  • Very hot water

  • Hot object, like a pot or pan

What are the symptoms of a first-degree burn in a child?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. Symptoms can include skin that is:

  • Red

  • Dry

  • Peeling

  • Painful for 48 to 72 hours and then feels better

The symptoms of a first-degree burn can be like other health conditions. If you have any question about the cause or severity of the symptoms, take your child to their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is a first-degree burn diagnosed in a child?

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. The diagnosis of a first-degree burn is based on the signs and symptoms, and recent exposure to something that can cause a burn. This may be the sun, something hot, or a chemical.

How is a first-degree burn treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how much of the child's body is burned and how severe the condition is.

A first-degree burn usually heals on its own within a week. Treatment may include:

  • A wet cloth soaked with cold water (cold compress) held to the skin, to ease pain

  • Do not apply butter, grease, or powder to the burn.

  • Over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for pain and swelling, Follow the label directions for how much to give and how often.

  • Any other treatment advised by your child’s healthcare provider

First-degree burns are usually not bandaged.

What are possible complications of a first-degree burn in a child?

Long-term tissue damage is rare and may be an increase or decrease in the skin color. In some cases, the area may become infected.

What can I do to prevent a first-degree burn in my child?

The following are some of ways to prevent burns in children:

  • Keep your child out of the sun. Use sunscreen when your child is old enough, usually at 6 months.

  • Make sure hot water is set below 120°F (48.8°C).

  • Put covers on electrical outlets.

  • Make sure pot and pan handles are turned toward the back of the stove.

  • Set up a “kid-free zone” in your kitchen. Teach children to stay at least 3 feet away from the cooking area.

  • Teach older kids how to cook safely.

  • Check bathwater temperature before placing a child in the water.

  • When bathing children, place them facing away from the water faucet so they won’t accidentally turn on the hot water.

  • Be careful with hot drinks.

  • Keep hot appliances in safe places, out of a child's reach, and unplugged when not in use. This includes toasters, irons, and hair-styling tools.

  • Teach children never to play with matches and lighters and keep these items out of reach of children.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call your child's healthcare provider if:

  • Your child has a fever

  • There is fluid leaking from the burn area

  • There is increased swelling or redness of the burn area

  • A large area of your child's body is burned

Key points about a first-degree burn in children

  • First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin.

  • They may be caused by the sun, hot water, or hot objects.

  • They are treated by applying cold, like running water or a cold cloth, at first. Creams or lotions may be applied.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

  • Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

  • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

  • At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.

  • Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.

  • Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.

  • Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

  • Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

  • If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

  • Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours.

Online Medical Reviewer: Liora C Adler MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 4/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Contact Our Health Professionals
Follow Us
Powered by StayWell
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.