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Burns: Safeguarding Our Families

Burns: Safeguarding Our Families

Published by Mel Wasowski on 4th Jul 2025

Understanding burns and how to respond to them is vital, especially when it comes to protecting our children. Burns are one of the most common injuries that occur in the home, and if not treated correctly, they can lead to serious and lasting damage. Every household should be familiar with the different types of burns, how to prevent them, and the essential first aid steps that can make all the difference.

Types of Burns

Burns are generally categorised into three types: thermal, chemical and electrical. 

  • Thermal Burns: These occur due to contact with flames, hot objects, steam or hot liquids. Common scenarios include scalds from hot beverages or steam and contact burns from hot surfaces or flames. 
  • Chemical Burns: Caused by contact with corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, or cleaning agents. Chemical burns can occur through direct contact or inhalation of fumes. 
  • Electrical Burns: Result from contact with electrical currents, typically from outlets, appliances, or wiring. These burns may cause both external and internal damage. 

Children and Burns: 

Children are particularly vulnerable to burns due to their curiosity and lack of awareness regarding potential hazards. Scalds from hot liquids are the leading cause of burns in young children often occurring in the kitchen or bathroom. Electrical burns can result from tampering with electrical outlets or playing with electrical cords. It's crucial for caregivers to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to minimise the risk of burns.  Always be cautious when serving hot food to young children. 

Prevention and First Aid

Prevention is key to reducing the incidence of burns in the household. Here are some essential tips: 

  • Keep hot beverages and foods out of reach of children. 
  • Set water heaters to a maximum temperature of 49°C (120°F) to prevent scalds. 
  • Use stove guards to prevent access to hot surfaces. 
  • Store chemicals and household cleaners in secure, childproof cabinets. 
  • Install outlet covers to prevent electrical injuries. 
  • Educate children about the dangers of playing with matches, lighters and electrical appliances. 

Despite our best-efforts accidents can still occur. Therefore, it's imperative to have a well-equipped first aid kit readily available. Essential items for treating burns include: 

  • Sterile Dressings: Use sterile gauze or a clean cloth to cover the burn and protect it from infection. 
  • Cool Water: Immediately cool the burn with cool (not cold) water for at least 10-20 minutes to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. 
  • Burn Cream or Aloe Vera Gel: Apply a thin layer of burn cream or aloe vera gel to soothe the affected area and promote healing. 
  • Non-Adhesive Dressings: Avoid using adhesive bandages on burns as they can cause further damage. Use non-adhesive dressings or gauze secured with tape. 
  • Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate discomfort. 

In the event of a severe burn or if the burn covers a large area of the body seek medical attention immediately. 

Common Household Burns and Prevention

Several everyday scenarios can lead to burns if proper precautions aren't taken: 

  • Kitchen Mishaps: Use caution when cooking with hot oil, boiling water or steam. Keep pot handles turned away from the stove's edge and use oven mitts or potholders to handle hot dishes. 
  • Hot Surfaces: Fireplaces, stovetops and irons can cause burns if touched. Establish clear boundaries and educate children about the dangers of hot surfaces. 
  • Electrical Appliances: Ensure that electrical appliances are in good condition and kept out of reach of children. Unplug appliances when not in use to prevent accidental burns. 

By fostering a safe environment and promoting awareness, we can significantly reduce the incidence of burns and protect our loved ones. Let's make this National Burns Awareness Month a catalyst for positive change in our homes and communities. Stay safe, stay informed, and together let's prevent burns before they happen. 

At Pharmacy 4 Less your health and well-being are our top priorities. Our Friendly pharmacists recommend having burn essentials at home in your medical first aid kit.  Here are some of our recommendations:  

  • Ego Soov Burn Spray 200ml (pharmacy4less.com.au) helps to provide fast relief from the pain of sunburn, minor burns, cuts, and grazes. The formula contains a local anaesthetic to relieve pain, as well as an antiseptic to help protect the skin against infection. Use for minor burns, sunburn, cuts, and grazes, helps to prevent infection of broken and damaged skin, contains lignocaine hydrochloride to provide fast, soothing pain relief and suitable for children above 2 years and adults. 

          For minor burns apply cold water first. Hold bottle 10cm from affected area and spray until skin is wet. Apply up to 4 times daily. For treating the face, spray onto fingers then apply gently. 

          • Mundicare Burnaid Burn Gel 25g (pharmacy4less.com.au) Apply Burnaid gel liberally to the burn area, including blisters if present. Do not rub. Repeat application after half an hour or as required. Bandage as necessary. Burnaid gel is for the first aid treatment or minor burns. Seek medical attention for the treatment of more serious burns.   
          • Elestoplast Soft Gauze Sterile 7.5Cm 7.5Cm 10 Pack (pharmacy4less.com.au) are home first-aid kit essentials and are recommended by the World Health Organisation and Red Cross. Elastoplast Soft Gauze is ideal for use immediately after an accident. Designed for cleansing and covering of medium to larger everyday wounds like scratches, cuts, grazes, burns and lacerations.   
          • Naproxen Pain Relief Liquid Capsules 10 Pack (pharmacy4less.com.au)  Naproxen is the most powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever available without a prescription. It is especially effective for sprains, sunburns and arthritis and other conditions. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. INCORRECT USE COULD BE HARMFUL. 

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