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What should I do if my child gets a burn or scald?
Cool the burn with running water right away, then cover it loosely. Get emergency help for large, deep, or chemical burns.
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What it is
Burns happen when dry heat touches the skin, like from a fire or a hot iron. Scalds come from hot liquids or steam. Burns can also be caused by electricity or chemicals [2]. A burn is damage to body tissues from heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or radiation [5].
There are three types of burns:
- First-degree burns damage only the outer layer of skin
- Second-degree burns damage the outer layer and the layer underneath
- Third-degree burns damage or destroy the deepest layer of skin and tissues underneath [5]
Burns can cause swelling, blistering, scarring, and in serious cases, shock or even death. They can also lead to infections because they damage the skin’s protective barrier [5]. Small burns can often be treated at home and may take around 2 weeks to heal. Severe burns that are large or deep may need hospital treatment [3].
What you can do at home
Treat all burns and scalds straight away. Do these steps:
- Hold the burn under cool running water for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the pain feels better. If no running water is available, use cool bottled water [1].
- Remove any clothing or jewellery near the affected area, but do not remove anything stuck to the skin [1].
- After the burn has cooled, lay cling film over it. Do not wrap the cling film around the area [1].
- Give painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain [4].
- Use an emollient ointment on the area if it becomes itchy and dry as it heals. Ask a pharmacist for advice [4].
Do not do these things:
- Do not put creams, oils, or butter on burns or scalds [4].
- Do not use plasters or sticky dressings to cover a burn or scald [4].
- Do not burst any blisters [4].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Call your emergency number or go to the emergency department immediately if the burn or scald:
- Is very large or deep
- Is on the face, genitals, or bottom
- Was caused by an acid or chemical, or by electricity [1]
Do not drive to the emergency department. Ask someone to drive you or call your emergency number for an ambulance [1].
Get urgent advice from a health advice line if:
- You or your child has a burn or scald and you’re not sure what to do
- You need advice for a child under 5 years old [1]
Hospital treatment for severe burns may include medicines like antibiotics or painkillers, cleaning and dressing the wound, giving fluids through a vein, or surgery to repair the wound or reconstruct skin [3].
Common questions
How long does a small burn take to heal? Small burns and scalds can often be treated at home and can take around 2 weeks to heal [3].
Can I put butter or cream on a burn? No. Do not put creams, oils, or butter on burns or scalds [4]. These can trap heat and increase the risk of infection.
What if clothing is stuck to the burn? Remove clothing near the area, but do not remove anything that is stuck to the affected area [1]. Leave it in place and get medical help.
Is a scald different from a burn? Yes. Scalds are caused by hot liquids or steam. Burns usually happen when dry heat touches the skin, such as fire or a hot iron. Burns can also be caused by electricity or chemicals [2].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Burns and scalds” (2026), section “What to do if you have a burn or scald”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/ [2] NHS — “Burns and scalds” (2026), section “Burns and scalds”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/ [3] NHS — “Burns and scalds” (2026), section “Treatments for burns and scalds”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/ [4] NHS — “Burns and scalds” (2026), section “Things you can do to help while burns and scalds heal”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/ [5] MedlinePlus — “Burns” (2024), section “Introducción”, p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/burns.html
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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