How Do I Treat Burns On Feet?

In August 2009, a man was charged with injury to an 18 month old child after submersing the child's feet in a pot of boiling water. As the father of 10 children, it is unfathomable to me that an adult could act in such a way to a child. In fact, I hurt for that poor child that was unable to escape this attack. Although this act was purposeful, often children are injured by accidental scalding with water. Treatment depends on the type of burn, but here are some recommendations:

1st Degree Burn --> Seen as redness to the skin (often what we see with sunburn) and is painful. Treatments should include cooling the area, and protection. Cool water may help or a wet rag. Care should be utilized to not cause increased injury by covering with a cream that holds in the heat or applying ice to cause additional injury.

2nd Degree Burn --> A more advanced burn, consisting of redness with blisters or even white discoloration of skin. Treatments should include cooling the area, but keeping the blisters intact. Again cool water with dry, sterile gauze as a protection to the area should be utilized. Care should again be utilized to not apply creams or other ointments that could cause increased burning and increased pain. This type of burn should often be evaluated by a physician to ensure proper care is undertaken.

3rd Degree Burn --> This is a severe burn that can be emergent, especially in a child or infant. This can often be gray or black and may be painfree, as the nerve endings are destroyed (or burned). Treatment should be calling emergency services and getting help immediately to protect the child or infant. Don't remove clothing or pieces of clothing as this can cause increased damage to area. Any creams or ointments applied will need to be scrubbed off and will cause increased pain from the treatment.

Now with this basic information, the best treatment for a burn is prevention. Avoid burns and the associated pain and the child will be much happier than any treatment you or a physician could provide. Burns happen. Prevention and correct treatment can help limit their longterm effects on your children.

Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
www.UtahFootDoc.com