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- remove any clothing or jewellery that’s near the burnt area of skin, including babies’ nappies, but do not move anything that’s stuck to the skin
- keep the child warm by using a blanket, for example, but take care not to rub it against the burnt area
- cover the burn by placing a layer of cling film over it – a clean plastic bag could also be used for burns on your hand
- use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain. Never give aspirin to children under 16.
- if the face or eyes are burnt, sit up as much as possible, rather than lying down – this helps to reduce swelling
- if it’s an acid or chemical burn, dial 999, carefully try to remove the chemical and any contaminated clothing, and rinse the affected area using as much clean water as possible
When to seek medical advice:
Seek medical advice for any burn if the child is under 5.
Go to A&E for children of all ages with the following types of burn:
- all chemical and electrical burns
- large or deep burns – any burn bigger than the injured person’s hand
- burns that cause white or charred skin – any size
- burns on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs or genitals that cause blisters
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