Prevention of burns should be of paramount importance
(see chapter on PREVENTION OF
ACCIDENTS). Minor burns may cause discomfort, but severe burns can endanger life
or lead to crippling deformities.
TREATMENT: Whatever the extent of the burn, first put cold water over the burn. Do not use ice. If cold
water is not available, keep pouring tap or stored water over
the area for some time. Remove all clothing from the burnt area. Cover the area with a clean piece of cloth. Do not
apply any ointment, ghee or honey without the advice of your doctor. Do not puncture the blisters. Generally,
doctors leave the small blisters alone. The large
blisters are often punctured to avoid accidental rupture and consequent infection.
Let your doctor decide if the child needs hospitalisation. This may have to be considered in case of burns of the
face, hands, genitals and feet; in all third-degree
burns (see below); first and second-degree burns involving more
than 25% of the body (see table); and burns due to chemicals
or electric shock.
In first-degree burns, the patient only has redness with
or without slight swelling of the skin. Second degree burns cause blisters and much swelling. Third degree burns
damage even the deeper layers of the skin. The skin may appear
white or charred.
The extent of the burns is calculated by the ‘Rule of
Nine’.
‘RULE OF NINE’
Part of the body
Percentage
Total (%)
Face
9 (18 in infants)
9
Front and back
18 each
36
Upper limbs
9 each
18
Lower limbs
18 each
(13.5 in infants)
36
Perineum
1
1
Grand Total
100
In case of extensive burns, do not give anything by
mouth to the child until you have seen the doctor. Otherwise, plenty of liquids should be given. If the child has received
his usual immunisations (including DPT or triple antigen) as per schedule, there is no need for a tetanus toxoid except
for severe burns when your doctor may decide to give it. If
a booster dose of DPT (Diphtheria, Pertusis and Tetanus)
is due, it can be given. This includes tetanus toxoid.
