Paediatric burns: Assessment, pain relief and initial management

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Paediatric burns: Assessment, pain relief and initial management

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Skin structure
Cross-section of the skin

Young children are at a higher risk of burns, particularly scalds, as they explore their environment. This first of two articles on paediatric burns summarises the steps general practice can take to optimise initial care and promote healing with reduced scarring, by Jonathan Heather.

Key points, First aid is with 20 minutes of cold running tap water.   Burn depth assessment is most accurate at three to five days after injury.   Burns t