Risks

Patient care Conditions Burns in children

What are burns?

A burn is partial or complete damage to the skin caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or frostbite.

Examination and treatment care pathway

to the care pathway

Types of burns

Burns can be divided into superficial second-degree, deep second-degree, mixed, and third-degree burns.

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Types of burns

We categorize burns based on the depth of the wound. The skin consists of two layers. These are the epidermis and the dermis. The skin also contains hair, sebum, and sweat glands.

Burns can be divided into superficial second-degree, deep second-degree, mixed, and third-degree burns. A first-degree burn only involves redness of the skin.

A first-degree burn is not a wound, although it can still be painful. Consider sunburn, for example.
In superficial second-degree burns, blisters often develop. Wounds usually heal within two weeks, often without scarring. We clean these burns and cover them with a temporary wound dressing.
For a deep second-degree burn, healing can take up to three weeks. Scars are likely to appear. These are often red, stiff, thick, and bumpy. These scars are called hypertrophic scars. If these scars run across a joint, your child may not be able to freely move the joint in question.

To prevent hypertrophic scars as a result of second-degree burns, we perform skin grafting.
A mixed burn is a combination of a superficial, and a deep second-degree burn. Mixed burns are often caused by hot water, such as hot tea. It is not always immediately clear whether surgery is necessary. We therefore examine the wound several times.
A burn in which both layers of skin are completely burned is called a third-degree burn. With a third-degree burn, we perform skin grafting. A third-degree burn is usually caused by a flame. The burn is often stiff, but comparatively less painful.

Upon arrival at the Emergency Room, we start monitoring breathing, pulse, and blood pressure. We assess the size and depth of the burns. In case of extensive burns, your child will be given additional fluids through an IV.

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Acute admission

At the Emergency Room, we check your child's airways and breathing. If necessary, your child will receive oxygen through a mask. We will also measure their blood pressure and pulse, and take blood samples. To prevent hypothermia, we will cover them with warm blankets. Your child will also be given medication to reduce pain. We will then examine your child for burns and any other injuries. For major burns, we will give your child additional fluids through an IV.

To get a good idea of the cause and severity of the burns, we will ask you how the accident happened, when and exactly what happened, whether the burn was cooled, whether your child is taking any medication, whether your child has been hospitalized before, and whether they are vaccinated.

Examination

We assess the extent and depth of the burns and take photographs for the medical record. We also take wound cultures to assess bacterial growth. Initially, your child will receive an ointment treatment, and we will formulate an initial treatment plan.