Burnt arm 3 year old

[Tuftytoo]

My 3 year old burn his arm on the oven door surface this evening whilst cooking.

It's a thin white line with red irritation around it.

I think we should go to a and e as NHS says any burn under 10 years needs medical attention. DH says no Biggie as we ran under water and put him to bed.

He is not in discomfort. AIBU?

Personally I would have taken him to get checked over.

Take him to A& E. You’ve read the guidance - why do you believe your DH more than the NHS guidance?

follow the medical advice.
how would you explain not doing so to an official ?
is your husband domineering ?

More than the size of a 50p piece you absolutely need to take him to A&E

surely any size if 3 year old ??

Go. Our then 3 year old sustained a nasty friction burn. It didn't look nasty when it happened or even when NHS 111 advised us to stay home. We didn't have any idea of how progressive burns are - two days later we were in the walk in centre and it was painful and distressing for him.

We probably wouldn't even have realised then if we didn't have medics in the family.

Is it bigger then a 50p peice? If so I'd go to walk in centre or a and e. If it's smaller then that I would just keep clean and keep an eye on it.

If he's comfortable, had some calpol and the skin is intact, I wouldn't bother. They won't do anything except inspect it and maybe put on a paraffin gauze dressing. See how it is in the morning and take it from there.

Just take him. Worst (and most likely) case DH is correct but better to check.

@JennyForeigner did it scar? He seems infused. I am currently on hold to 111

If you want to go and wait for 8 hours, in a crowded A&E, to be sent away with (at best) some Savlon.. fill your boots.

ALL burns have to be checked at A&E ? No wonder the queues are so big, when something so minor is deemed worthy of a hospital visit.

*unfussed

Maybe going against the grain here but if my 3 year old had a small burn (like a line one) that didn't look that bad, and id run it under water etc and he was unbothered, id probably just see how it went

If it was bigger or blistered or it was causing him pain then yeah id take him to A&E

My toddler had a deep second degree burn and Manuka honey has worked miracles. Use it to reduce/avoid a scar.

There is no way I would go to A&E on a Friday evening for a small burn. What would they do that you can't do at home? You wouldn't be triaged as a priority and would likely be there for hours and hours.

@ExtraOnions that's what I know will happen at a and e (the wait) and I have a 1 year old who also needs feeding and putting to bed.

I just don't want it to scar. Apparently 3 year old skin is so sensitive it's different to adults. It's like a little hair straightener burn but bigger then his hand. It's a thin line and a bit red and irritated. He is absolutely fine no tears or anything

I’d put peppermint oil on it to take the heat out of the burn and help with the pain, and apply for a couple of days then lavender oil to help it heal.

A friction burn is not strictly speaking a burn, but a large open wound area, which has a high risk of becoming infected, especially if it was outdoors. Also very painful.

A thin while line isn't as big as a 50p piece, it's a thin white line, but only OP knows precisely how long this is so in the best position to judge. The issue with burns is they can cause damage to the underlying structure and that is dangerous. However a very quick touch on the cooker door and pulling away is unlikely to result in this kind of injury. It would need to be sustained contact. 111 should give adequate advice. A&E in a Friday night will be hell on earth.

If the skin is unbroken and not blistered and you're sure it was just a quick touch and removal then no risk of underlying damage, it won't scar.

Surprises me that the recommendation and most people feel that any burn has to go to A&E. If you've done appropriate aftercare, and he's not distressed, I'd be seeing a GP as that seems very minor.

Going to go against the grain because I always thought white burns are the most serious? He might not be crying because it's numb from the damage

111 said to run cool not cold water on it and let it breathe so no cling film around it and send him to bed and check on his arm in the morning.

Just in case anyone reads this thread with same issue they also said if he becomes unwell in himself, temperature or the appearance of the burn worsens then call back or go get checked out.

I concur I did not fancy a and e tonight BUT would have taken him if they deemed necessary and thought it might scar or cause long term damage without treatment

@rosyglowcondition yes it was a quick touch and removal. Just worried as baby/toddler skin is still growing and different to ours. I would not be worried if I did this to myself (which I have many a time)

Please don't put any oil on it, this actually retains heat and makes things worse.

111 for sure and follow their guidance - there are lots of cases that need to be seen in A&E, including any burns bigger than palm of victim's hand, burns on hands, face, throat, genitals etc., burns caused by oil, acid, electricity etc., burns with a black edge or skin broken. It doesn't sound like these, but still on a young child.

Run under cold water for at least 20 mins, cover loosely with cling film to keep clean if skin is broken and remove tight fitting clothing in case of swelling. Don't use ice or ice packs.

If in doubt always go to A&E or at very least, contact 111.

Yes, it does scar quite readily...think chickenpox! But it can also be very forgiving...think chickenpox! I'm sure he'll be fine. Used to be an A&E nurse lol.