After a Burn: When to Call Your Child's Healthcare Provider
After a Burn: When to Call Your Child's Healthcare Provider
It is important to contact your child's healthcare provider in the following situations:
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If your child is not eating or drinking well
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If there is antisocial or disruptive behavior at home or school
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If there are signs of infection (healing burn areas change and become red, warm, swollen, extremely tender, or have a foul odor)
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If there is uncontrollable itching
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If the scar cracks open or splits
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If the tissues around a joint tighten and the joint loses mobility (contracture)
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If the burn is on an arm or leg and the child has trouble moving that limb and thee affected fingers or toes
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If there is excessive swelling in the injured area
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If your child's temperature is greater than 101.5° F (38.6° C) rectally or orally
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If it seems that the dressing changes are painful for your child (you may want to discuss pain medicine with your healthcare provider)
Updated:  
November 19, 2019
Sources:  
Long: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Revised Reprint. Gould J. 2009;3:91., Outpatient Burns: Prevention and Care. Lloyd. American Family Physician. 2012;85(1):25-32.
Reviewed By:  
Eric Perez MD,Ronald Karlin MD,Maryann Foley