Burns are one of the most common injuries in childhood, and their severity can vary enormously, from a mild sunburn to a serious, life-threatening injury. Knowing how to recognise how bad a burn is, and exactly what to do in the first few minutes, makes a real difference to how well it heals.
This guide breaks down the different types of burns, the warning signs that need urgent care, and the correct first aid, straight from how we treat them on the road.
The three types of burns
Burns are classified by how deep they go into the skin. This helps guide how serious it is and what treatment is needed.
- Superficial burns affect only the outermost layer of skin, think of a severe sunburn. The skin is red and painful but not blistered.
- Partial-thickness burns go deeper and cause blistering and damage to the layers beneath the surface.
- Deep or full-thickness burns extend through all the layers of skin, and often appear white or charred.
Watch for airway involvement, this is critical
A burn can affect the airway, and this is one of the most urgent situations to recognise. Seek emergency help immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Hoarseness or a change in voice
- Wheezing as they breathe in
- Rapid breathing
- Singed facial or nasal hair
- Soot around the mouth or nose
- Burns to the face and neck
If any of these are present, call Triple Zero (000) straight away, airway swelling from a burn can progress quickly.
Location matters
Some burns need to be assessed by a medical professional because of where they are, even if they don’t look severe. Pay particular attention to burns on the face, neck, hands, feet, joints, genitals, or burns covering a large area. These should always be checked by a doctor.
How to treat a burn
For all burns, the first steps are the same:
- Remove any jewellery and any burnt, tight, or wet clothing carefully, to prevent further damage or restriction as the area swells.
- Cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for at least 20 minutes.
- Never use ice, ice water, or ice packs, these can actually worsen the injury.
- If your child is in pain, paracetamol as directed can help with discomfort.
For superficial burns (like bad sunburn), the steps above are usually enough, but see your doctor if you’re worried.
For partial-thickness and deep/full-thickness burns, after cooling for 20 minutes:
- You can place cling wrap (plastic cling film) over the top of the burn to help reduce infection. Do not wrap it around the limb or burn, only lay it over the top.
- Seek immediate medical attention: see your GP, go to your local emergency department, or call an ambulance.
The key things to remember
Cool running water for 20 minutes, never ice, and get any deep, large, or awkwardly located burn assessed by a professional. When a burn involves the face, hands, joints, or the airway, don’t wait, prompt action genuinely changes the outcome.
If you’d like to feel confident handling burns and the other emergencies children face, our Baby & Child First Aid course walks through all of it, step by step, taught by a frontline paramedic.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the guidance of a qualified health professional. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.