St. Louis Children’s Hospital

Heat or Thermal Burns

A heat-induced or thermal burn can occur when the skin comes in contact with any heat source, such as a cooking pan, an iron, a fire, a hot surface or a hot, scalding liquid.

Caring for a heat-induced or thermal burn:

• Remove the child from the heat source.
• Cool the affected area with cold water or cold compresses until pain is reduced or alleviated.
• If a blister has formed, do not break it.
• Protect the burn with a dry, sterile, gauze bandage or with a clean bed sheet or cloth.
• If your child's clothing is stuck to the burned area, do not attempt to remove it. Instead, cut around the clothing leaving the burn intact.
• Do not apply any ointments, oils, or sprays to the burned area.
• If the burn is serious, seek medical attention or dial 911 for emergency medical attention.

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Online Resources of Burns