First Aid for Burns

Peas burned herself the night before last.  On the vacuum.

I sucked up something she wanted and she proceeded to take the vacuum apart to get it back.  Trouble is-- it was hot.  She got a 2nd degree burn on her left palm- which by the rule of 9's is less than 1% of her total body surface area- therefore not that bad (but in my opinion- burns are bad).  We are supposed to see a burn specialist to make sure it heals well though. 

Peas is a trooper.  She could teach me a thing or two (maybe 10) about being determined and despite her owie she has not slowed down at all. 

So if you (or your kid) burns themselves with something hot (a thermal burn)

- cool water (not ice) cool water can halt the burning process- in addition to being a pain reliever it can help save tissue. After 2 hours or so the tissue saving benefit is over but the pain relief is helpful.  Don't use ice directly on a burn it can further damage the tissue.

- keep it clean- this is not the time to play in the mud.  Burns are very susceptible to infection. 

- pain relief.  Burns hurt. A lot.  Don't be shy about asking for pain relief.

- cuddles.  Lots of cuddles.

- Breastmilk compresses.  Really breastmilk is a miracle.  It has all sorts of amazing stuff in it.