Institute of Emergency Medicine
MMHRC, Madurai.

Act Fast: Immediately hold under cool running water or apply a cold, wet towel until the pain subsides. Cover any small blisters with a loose bandage or gauze and tape; call a doctor as soon as possible if burns are on the face, hands, or genitals, or if they're larger than 1/4 inch anywhere on the body. If the burn looks deep -- the skin may be white or brown and dry -- go to the E.R. For a burn covering a tenth of the body or more, don't use cold compresses; call 911 and cover the child with a clean sheet or a blanket to prevent hypothermia until help arrives.

Follow-Up Care: Don't pop any blisters yourself. If the skin breaks, apply an anti-biotic cream and cover the area with a bandage or gauze and tape until it's healed. Watch for any redness, swelling, tenderness, or discharge -- all signs of infection.

Did You Know? Scalds, from hot foods or liquids, are the most common burn injury in children ages 6 months to 2 years.