Treatment for a Small Coin-Sized Burn in an 11-Year-Old Child
For your small coin-sized burn, immediately cool it with clean running water for 5-20 minutes, then apply a thin layer of petrolatum-based antibiotic ointment (like bacitracin) and cover with a non-adherent dressing. 1, 2
Immediate First Aid (Do This Now)
- Cool the burn immediately with clean running water (not ice) for 5-20 minutes to limit tissue damage and reduce pain 1, 2, 3
- Remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the area before swelling occurs 1, 2
- Do not apply ice directly as this causes additional tissue damage 1, 2
- Do not apply butter, oil, or home remedies as these increase infection risk 1, 2
Wound Care After Cooling
- Clean the burn gently with tap water or isotonic saline solution 1, 3
- Apply a thin layer of petrolatum-based antibiotic ointment such as bacitracin (approved for children 2 years and older) 4
- Cover with a non-adherent dressing such as sterile gauze to protect from contamination and reduce pain 1, 3
- Change the dressing daily and monitor for signs of infection 5, 1
Pain Management
- Use over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen (NSAIDs) for pain control at age-appropriate doses 1, 3
- The cooling itself will help reduce pain 5, 1
- Keeping the burn covered with appropriate dressing also improves pain control 5, 3
Important Warnings
- Do not break any blisters that form, as the intact blister acts as a natural barrier against infection 1, 2, 3
- Do not use topical antibiotics routinely beyond the initial application unless signs of infection develop 5, 1
- Avoid silver sulfadiazine for superficial burns as it may prolong healing 5, 1
When to Seek Medical Attention
While a coin-sized burn on most body areas can be managed at home, seek immediate medical care if:
- The burn is on the face, hands, feet, or genitals 1, 2, 3
- The burn shows signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, pus, fever) 1
- The burn does not heal within 2 weeks 6
- Pain worsens or becomes severe 1