Snowy days and colder temperatures are the perfect ingredients for cozying up by the fire and enjoying a piping hot cup of hot chocolate or a delicious bowl of soup.
These activities are also the perfect combination for accidents that could potentially burn a child.
Typically, the majority of burn incidents involve young children, probably due to their curious nature.
Children’s skin is more sensitive and burns easier than adult skin. Most burns happen at home, but are mainly preventable by following these tips:
■ Teach children at a young age that hot items are off limits.
■ Place screens around fireplaces, stoves and radiators.
■ Place pots and pans on the stove with handles facing the back to prevent curious fingers from reaching up and grabbing them.
■ Know where children are before carrying hot liquids in the kitchen. Never try to hold a child and carry a hot liquid.
■ Keep hot water heaters set at 120 degrees Farenheit or at a “low-medium” setting. Children’s skin can be scalded in as little as five seconds by water that is 140 F.
If a child does suffer a burn, remove any clothing from the burned area.
If it is a first-degree burn, hold a cool compress on the affected area for three to five minutes. Use burn cream, such as aloe gel, to treat the area.
If the burn becomes infected, seek medical attention. If the burn is a second- or third-degree burn, seek medical attention immediately.
