How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Burn (Mild) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Mild burns in children often involve redness, minor swelling, and pain but usually do not cause deep skin damage. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice on caring for these burns safely from home. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider will ask about the burn’s cause, size, and symptoms, and may guide you on cleaning, dressing, and pain relief. However, some burns need in-person care, especially if they cover a large area, show signs of infection, or affect sensitive areas like the face or joints. Preparing for your telemedicine visit by having clear photos of the burn and information about your child's health can help the provider give the best advice. Always watch for warning signs and seek emergency care if your child’s condition worsens or if you notice serious symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Burn covers a large area (more than 5% of the child's body surface)
• Burn is on the face, hands, feet, groin, or over a joint
• Signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of small, mild burns without blisters
• Advice on cleaning and dressing mild burns
• Guidance on pain management for mild burns
• Monitoring healing progress and identifying complications

What telemedicine cannot do

• Large burns covering extensive body areas
• Burns with blisters, deep tissue damage, or charred skin
• Burns on sensitive or critical areas like face, hands, feet, groin, or joints
• Signs of severe infection or systemic illness
• Breathing difficulties or other emergency symptoms

What Is a Mild Burn?

A mild burn usually affects only the top layer of skin (first-degree burn). It may cause redness, mild swelling, and pain but does not blister or cause deep tissue damage. These burns often heal within a week without scarring.

When to Use Telemedicine for a Burn

Telemedicine can be useful for assessing mild burns that are small and not on sensitive areas. A healthcare provider can help you understand how to care for the burn, manage pain, and recognize signs of infection or worsening.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Seek immediate in-person care if the burn:

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit:

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask questions about the burn and your child's symptoms. They may request to see the burn via video or photos. They will guide you on cleaning the burn, applying dressings, pain relief, and when to seek further care.

After the Telemedicine Visit: Care and Monitoring

Follow the care instructions given. Keep the burn clean and dry, change dressings as advised, and use recommended pain relief. Watch for red flags such as increased pain, swelling, fever, or discharge, and seek in-person care if these occur.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Take clear, well-lit photos of the burn from multiple angles
• Note the time and cause of the burn
• Gather your child's medical history and any allergies
• List current symptoms and any treatments applied
• Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection for the visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on cleaning and dressing the burn
• Use recommended pain relief as advised
• Keep the burn area clean and dry
• Monitor for any worsening symptoms or signs of infection
• Seek in-person care promptly if red flags develop

FAQs

Can I treat a mild burn at home without seeing a doctor?

Many mild burns can be cared for at home by cleaning the area gently, applying cool water, and covering it with a clean, non-stick dressing. However, if you are unsure or the burn worsens, a healthcare provider can offer advice through telemedicine.

How do I know if a burn is mild or needs emergency care?

Mild burns usually cause redness and minor pain without blisters or deep skin damage. Burns that are large, blistered, or on sensitive areas like the face or hands need urgent medical attention.

Is it safe to use ice on a burn?

No, applying ice directly to a burn can cause further skin damage. Use cool (not cold) water to soothe the burn instead.

How long does it take for a mild burn to heal?

Mild burns typically heal within 7 to 10 days without scarring, but healing time can vary depending on the child's health and care provided.

When should I contact a healthcare provider after the telemedicine visit?

Contact a healthcare provider if the burn shows signs of infection, if pain increases, if the burn area grows, or if your child develops a fever or other concerning symptoms.

Sources

1. Burns — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. First Aid for Burns and Scalds — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Burns: First Aid — Mayo Clinic.
4. Burns and Scalds in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has a burn with severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.