Burns and scalds

Young Girl Sitting On Kitchen Worktop Looking At Adult Woman Who Is Cooking On Stove

Burns and scalds in the home are common. Toddlers and young children can get burnt as they explore and make sense of the world around them.

Knowing how to prevent burns and scalds and what to do if your child is burnt, can really help to prevent serious injuries.

Explore the topics on this page:

How to treat burns and scalds

Preventing burns and scalds at home

Preventing burns and scalds outdoors

How to treat burns and scalds

A burn is caused by dry heat, such as by an iron, hair straighteners, or a hot radiator. A scald is caused by something wet, such as a hot bath or cup of tea. Both should be treated in the same way.

Burns and scalds can be very painful, but remember, the amount of pain your child feels isn't always related to how serious the burn is. A very serious burn may cause:

red peeling skin
blisters
swelling
white charred skin

Acting quickly if your child is burnt or scalded will help them to heal better. If your child is under 5 and has a burn or scald, always seek advice from a health professional.

Move your child away from the heat source to stop the burning.
Remove any clothing or jewellery that are near the burn, including nappies. Don't move anything that's stuck to the skin.
Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for at least 10 minutes. Do not use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances such as butter. Do not put your child in a cold bath.
Cover the burn with a layer of cling film. A clean plastic bag could also be used for burns on the hand.
Call your GP, NHS 111, or 999 to seek medical advice if your child is under 5, or if you are worried.
Make sure your child stays warm. You could use a blanket but be careful not to rub it against the burnt area.
Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain.
If the face or eyes are burnt, sit your child up as much as possible. This helps to reduce swelling.

Preventing burns and scalds at home

Accidents can happen very easily at home. But, by following these top tips you can reduce the risk of burns and scalds.

In the kitchen

Keep saucepans at the back of the cooker where possible. Turn the handles out of reach.
Don’t warm your baby's bottle in the microwave.
After warming your baby's milk, shake it and check the temperature with a few drops on your wrist. It should feel lukewarm, not hot.
Stay with children and keep a close eye on them.
Don't use a tablecloth if there is a danger your child might pull it. This can cause hot objects to fall on them.

Hot drink safety

Spilling hot drinks such as tea, coffee and soup is a common cause of scalds in young children. The following safety advice can help to prevent accidents.

Keep hot drinks out of reach. They can still burn 15 minutes after being made.
Don't try to hold a hot drink at the same time as holding your baby. Always put your drink down safely first.
If your child is on the floor, be careful not to trip over them while you are holding a hot drink. Also be aware of other trip hazards, such as toys, while carrying a hot drink.
If you have guests in the house, be aware of potential hazards, especially hot drink spillages.

Preventing burns and scalds outdoors

It is important to remember that burns and scalds can also happen outside the house.

Barbecues and fires should always be supervised to reduce the risk of accidents. Barbecues remain hot for a long time after cooking. Disposable barbecues should be kept out of reach of children after cooking has finished, or sprayed with water to reduce the temperature.
Children should not be allowed to play near a firepit or chiminea. Some firepits have a protective cover, but remember these can also become very hot.
If you are having a firework display or bonfire at home, follow firework safety advice to reduce the risk of accidents.
Remember sun safety advice when your children are outdoors, to reduce the risk of sunburn. Read our information about staying safe in the sun.

Safeguarding People

The Safeguarding People team safeguards and promotes the health and welfare of all children and young people.

If you think that a child or young person is being abused or neglected in:

Peterborough: 01733 864170 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
Cambridgeshire: 0345 045 5203 (8am to 6pm Monday to Friday)
Outside office hours, at weekends and on public holidays contact the emergency duty team on 01733 234724
Email: referralcentre.children@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

As a member of the public, you do not have to give your name and your conversation will be treated confidentially.

Support for children and young people

Children can call Childline on 0800 1111 or chat to a counsellor online.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s safety, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support.

You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation.

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).

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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Cambridgeshire

Peterborough

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Cambridgeshire

Peterborough

Burns and scalds

How to treat burns and scalds

Preventing burns and scalds at home

Hot drink safety

Preventing burns and scalds outdoors

Safeguarding People

Support for children and young people

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