HealthInfo Canterbury
Burns are common, especially in children. Maybe you are reading this because you or your child has had a burn. The key is to learn from a burn to help prevent another one, as it could be even more serious next time.
Younger children are mostly burned by scalds from hot liquids or objects.Their skin is very thin and they can get serious burns very easily. Older children and adults are mostly burned by flames or explosions.
No one can watch their child every second. But there are easy changes you can make around the home, or to your habits (such as where you put down your cup of tea) that could help to prevent you and your children getting burned.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
This short video from Burn Support explains the risk areas for burning at home, and how to make them safe. It's suitable for the whole family to watch.
Andrew, Chevy, Liam and their families share their stories about their burns, so you can learn from them and stop the same thing happening in your family. These videos are also from Burnwise.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
How to prevent scalds in the home.
Key facts about burns, and how to protect children from them.
Tips to make your home safer.
On the next page: Self-care for burns
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Endorsed by Plastic Surgery Department, Canterbury DHB. Last reviewed May 2021.
See also:
Sun-smart Behaviour for advice on preventing sunburn
Review key: HIBUR-30143