Question
A 2-year-old child accidentally got scalded by boiling water, now showing peeling skin, with the burn area about the size of the palm and swelling in the leg. How long does it usually take for such a burn to heal?
Answer
The recovery time for a child’s scald burn is approximately one week. Mild burns can cause the surrounding skin to turn red, so it is recommended to allow the child to rest adequately during this period and elevate the injured area to facilitate swelling reduction. Apply moisturizing burn ointment immediately and administer anti-inflammatory medication to prevent infection. To avoid infection, it is advisable to keep the child from walking. At the same time, encourage the child to drink plenty of water, rest more, and reduce intake of spicy, stimulating (spicy), and greasy foods.