300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 (617) 355-6000 My Child Has: Burns: First Degree Programs that treat this condition Children's Hospital Primary Care Center   Injury Prevention Program   What is a first-degree burn? A first-degree burn, also called a superficial burn, only affects the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site appears red, painful, dry, and absent of blisters. Scarring is rare or minimal. The most common type of first-degree burn is mild sunburn. What causes a first-degree burn? In most cases, first-degree burns are caused by the following: mild sunburn flash burn - a sudden, brief burst of heat What are the symptoms of a first-degree burn? The following are the most common signs and symptoms of a first-degree burn. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: redness dry skin skin that is painful to touch pain usually lasts 48 to 72 hours and then subsides peeling skin The symptoms of a first-degree burn may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. Treatment for first-degree burns: Specific treatment for a first-degree burn will be determined by your child's physician, based on the following: your child's age, overall health, and medical history extent of the burn location of the burn cause of the burn your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies your opinion or preference First-degree burns usually heal on their own within a week. Treatment may depend on the severity of the burn and may include the following: cold compresses lotion or ointments acetaminophen or ibuprofen First-degree burns are usually not bandaged. Consult your child's physician for additional treatment for first-degree burns. The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.