Red flags & when to go in person for Burn (Mild) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Mild burns in children usually involve redness, minor swelling, and pain but do not break the skin deeply. Many mild burns can be safely managed at home with basic first aid and telemedicine support. Telemedicine can help caregivers assess the burn, guide wound care, and monitor healing. However, some signs mean a child needs to be seen in person quickly. These include burns that cover a large area, involve the face or genitals, show signs of infection, or cause severe pain or blistering. Knowing when to seek in-person care helps prevent complications and ensures the child receives the right treatment. This guide explains common red flags, what telemedicine can and cannot do for mild burns, and how to prepare for a virtual visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Burn covers a large area (more than about 5% of the child's body surface) or involves face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints — seek urgent in-person care.
• Burn appears deep with white, charred, or leathery skin — immediate medical evaluation needed.
• Signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, pus, foul odor, or fever — get prompt in-person assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of small, superficial burns with clear skin redness or minor blistering.
• Guidance on first aid and wound care for mild burns.
• Monitoring healing progress and advising on pain management.
• Answering caregiver questions about burn care and when to seek further help.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of large or deep burns requiring physical examination.
• Treatment of burns involving critical areas like face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints.
• Management of burns with signs of infection or systemic symptoms like fever.
• Emergency interventions for severe pain, breathing difficulty, or shock symptoms.

Understanding Mild Burns in Children

Mild burns often affect the top layer of skin and may cause redness, slight swelling, and pain. These burns usually heal without scarring if cared for properly. Common causes include touching hot objects, brief contact with steam, or minor sunburn. It's important to keep the burn clean and avoid popping any blisters that may form.

When to Use Telemedicine for Mild Burns

Telemedicine allows caregivers to show the burn to a healthcare provider via video or photos. Providers can offer advice on cleaning the burn, applying dressings, and managing pain. Telemedicine is helpful for follow-up checks and to answer questions about healing. It can reduce the need for travel and exposure to other illnesses.

Red Flags That Require In-Person Care

Some signs mean the child needs to be seen by a healthcare professional in person, such as:

Basic Burn Care at Home

For mild burns without red flags, follow these steps:

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a virtual visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting to clearly show the burn area during the tele-visit.
• Have the child’s burn area clean and uncovered if possible for visual assessment.
• Prepare information about how and when the burn occurred.
• Note any symptoms such as pain level, fever, or changes in the burn area.
• Have a list of the child’s current medications and allergies ready.
• Check that your device’s camera and internet connection are working well.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on wound cleaning and dressing changes.
• Monitor the burn for any changes, including increased redness, swelling, or discharge.
• Administer pain relief as recommended and keep the child comfortable.
• Keep the burn area protected from further injury or sun exposure.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised.
• Seek immediate care if red flags develop after the tele-visit.

FAQs

Can I use ice to cool my child's mild burn?

No, avoid using ice directly on the burn as it can cause further skin damage. Instead, cool the burn gently with lukewarm running water for 10 to 20 minutes.

When should I remove clothing from a burned area?

Remove clothing only if it is not stuck to the burn and can be taken off easily. Do not try to remove clothing that is stuck to the burn to avoid causing more injury.

Is it normal for blisters to form on a mild burn?

Small blisters can be part of a mild burn. Do not pop or break them, as this can increase the risk of infection. Keep the area clean and covered.

Can I apply ointments or butter to a child's burn?

Avoid applying butter, oils, or ointments unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider. These substances can trap heat and increase the risk of infection.

How can I tell if a burn is infected?

Signs of infection include increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus or foul-smelling discharge, and fever. If you notice these, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Sources

1. Burns — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Burns: First Aid — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Burns - Symptoms and causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Burns: First Aid and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any red flags or if you are concerned about their condition, seek prompt medical attention.