Burn Surgery
At Shriners Children’s, our world-class surgical team provides specialized care and life-changing treatment to children with burn injuries.
First-Degree Burn Care
At Shriners Children’s, our team of burn care specialists treats all types of burns, from superficial injuries to large burns requiring an intensive level of care.
What is a first-degree burn?
A first-degree burn is considered a superficial injury that damages the top-most layer of the skin. This type of burn will appear as dry and red, and will typically not blister. While first-degree burns are very painful, they should heal on their own within two to five days, with no permanent scarring. First-degree burn treatment can typically be handled with burn care at home. A mild to moderate sunburn is a common example of a first-degree burn.
Proper assessment of any burn is very important and burn care first aid can vary widely. Burns are almost never uniform in depth. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a first-degree burn and a second-degree burn. The thickness of a person’s skin varies, so a burn may be a first-degree burn in one area and a second-degree burn in another. Very young children have thinner skin overall, so an injury that seems superficial could be more serious than first thought. Estimating the degree of burn in the first few days after an injury is difficult because the depth actually changes (usually getting deeper). A burn that initially looks like a first-degree burn may develop blistering within 12 hours. If this happens to your child’s injury, it has likely become a second-degree burn.
When your child is treated at Shriners Children’s you know the outcome is in the hands of the medical leaders in burn care. Our compassionate and skilled physicians and nurses will walk you through every step of the healing process with the most innovative burn care treatments available.
Shriners Children's Burn Care Accreditation
Three Shriners Children's locations providing burn care are accredited by the American Burn Association (ABA) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as verified pediatric burn centers.
We have a strong connection to and history with the ABA. All of the Shriners Children's burn care chiefs of staff at the above locations have been presidents of the ABA. These distinctions display the depth of the burn care support services we provide, as well as the vast amounts of research we lead on behalf of our patients and children around the world who’ve been burned.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
Treatment of First-Degree Burns
A first-degree burn is painful and can cause great discomfort. If your child has a first-degree burn, try these remedies:
- Apply cool compresses to your child’s skin or suggest a cool bath to soothe the burn.
- To take the sting out of the first-degree burn, gently rub on a cream or gel containing ingredients such as aloe. Try refrigerating the cream first to make it feel even better on your child’s sunburned skin.
- Use an over the counter pain reliever with acetaminophen. Be sure to use the proper dose for your child’s age and weight.
- Make sure you child stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Never apply ice on a burn. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention from a healthcare facility with pediatric burn care expertise.
We wouldn’t have been able to get her the care she needed without Shriners [Children’s]. The Shriners are our children’s guardian angels!
Locations For First Degree Burn Care
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Shriners Children's provides specialty health care to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.
An Innovative Approach For Treating Children's Scars
Shriners Children’s leads the way in advanced technologies and innovative treatments to minimize scars in children. Most patients receive laser surgery for scarring on an outpatient basis – so treatment continues without interfering with a child’s schoolwork or social life.
Innovative Treatments
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Plastic Surgery
Shriners Children’s experienced pediatric plastic surgeons use reconstructive plastic surgery techniques to bring hope and healing to families dealing with differences involving the face, jaw, eyelids, ears, breasts or skin.
Reconstructive Surgery
Shriners Children’s provides innovative, personalized care for children with reconstructive needs.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Following Burn Injury
Shriners Children's inpatient rehabilitation advances healing and mobility following a burn injury.
Next Steps
Request an Appointment
Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.
Log in to the Patient Portal
Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.
Refer a Patient
Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.