|
Burns have different categories depending the severity. Many parents today don't realize that over exposure to the sun can cause third degree burns as well as first degree. When sending your child out in the sun, always use sunblock. If you cannot be with your child and he goes swimming for long periods of time, have him or her wear a light white t-shirt in the pool to give double protection against the possibility of sunburn.
Never use any heavy oils such as antiseptic creams, butter, or any remedy your grandmother used. To do so only prevents the heat from escaping from the skin. Take a towel with cold water and place it over the burned area and let it stay there until the heat comes out of the sunburn. Most times even a burn cream prescription from your doctor will sting when applied and cause your child to become uncomfortable. Never apply clothing to second degree burns, as these burns can produce blisters and the clothing will stick.
Never break blisters that fill up with fluid, leave these to heal themselves. By breaking them, you are leaving the skin susceptible to infection and germs. All burns irritate nerve endings in the skin, therefore the less clothing applied the less sensitivity your child will feel.
Children with third degree burns should be under a doctor's care. All layers of the skin are burned. These burns can be fatal if not under a doctor's care. Burns of this nature will need to be covered with dressings to prevent infection.
Thermal and Flash burns are also very serious. Remove the clothing from the person right away and apply cold water towels immediately and seek medical attention.
Electrical burns can cause serious damage to internal organs. Even though the person says they feel ok, take them to the hospital anyway. Make sure that they are not in contact still with the electrical source before helping them.
If you have an older child that is leaving on vacation with another family for the weekend, send your child with sunblock and make sure they understand how important it is to use it. If the sunblock washes off, have them re-apply it. You can also purchase waterproof sunblock, but I would recommend applying it again after one hour to be on the safe side.
| 
