Preventing Burns and Scalds

What are burns and scalds?

A burn is damage to body tissues caused by heat (dry or moist), electricity, friction, chemicals, or sunlight. A scald is a burn caused by hot water or steam. Many burns and scalds happen in the home, and many could be prevented.

How can burns and scalds be prevented?

• Turn your water heater setting down to 120°F (48.8°C).
• Keep pot handles turned away from the stove front. Don't wear loose sleeves around a stove.
• Never leave a child alone in the bathroom or kitchen. Do not carry hot liquids or food near children and do not allow children near stoves, hot oven doors, hot barbecue grills, heaters, or curling irons.
• Use childproof covers on electrical outlets to prevent electrical burns.
• Avoid having loose electric wires or dangling electrical cords in your home. Make sure electrical cords are not frayed. Do not overload extension cords.
• Use portable heaters with caution. Keep bedding, clothing, curtains, and other materials at least 3 feet away from space heaters. Turn off the portable heater every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Don't leave household chemicals where they can be knocked over, spilled, or tasted by curious toddlers. Be sure all containers are properly labeled and have secure lids.
• Do not smoke in bed. Never leave a burning cigarette unattended.
• Keep ashtrays away from furniture, clothing, and curtains. Never empty smoldering or recently used ashtrays or ashes into a trash can.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Never leave a burning candle or fire in a fireplace unattended. Keep candles away from bedding, curtains, paper, or other materials that can catch fire.
• Keep fireplaces and chimneys clean and repaired. Each fireplace should have a fire screen.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and replace the batteries a least once a year.
• Have an escape plan in case of fire in your home. Keep a charged fire extinguisher within easy reach on each level of your home. Know how to use it.
• When you are outdoors, always use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater and wear protective clothing. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It's best to put the sunscreen on your skin 30 to 60 minutes before you go out into the sun. Avoid being out in the sun for a long time, especially in the late morning and early afternoon.

Call your healthcare provider if a burn:

• involves the hands, feet, face, genitals, or a large joint
• is bigger than 2 to 3 inches
• is an electrical burn (deep tissue damage may exist)
• shows signs of infection such as redness around the area, swelling, heat, or pus
• causes a fever
• does not heal within a couple of days.

Developed by Ann Carter, MD, for RelayHealth.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.