Mild burns
Treat burns
See a physician
Treating burns involves three main steps:
Cooling
In case of less serious wounds, cool the affected areas
With running cold tap water or wet clean cloth, for instance handkerchief, sheet or towel
As soon as possible after the injury
At least 20 minutes
We do not recommend
Using ice for cooling – risk of deepening the burn
Cooling a child by putting him or her in cold water may lead to a high risk of hypothermia.
Cooling with water from natural sources (lake, river) can cause infections
Removal of jewellery and other adornments
Quickly remove all jewellery (rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) which could cause strangulation of parts of the body with the progression of the swelling
In milder injuries, give pain-relief as needed
Temporarily covering burnt areas
Cover scalded area with clean wet cloth, i.e. handkerchief, sheet or towel
We do not recommend
Removing blisters
Covering the affected areas with non-standards materials (yolk, fat, ointments, toothpaste, etc.)
Using compress bandages
About us
The non-for-profit association “Bolíto” (standing for “It hurts”) provides assistance to child burn victims, mainly in terms of psychosocial support. It was founded in 2003 by Lenka Šetelíková, head nurse, and Robert Zajíček, chief physician, from the Burn Clinic at Vinohrady University Hospital in Prague. Five years ago, the photographer Jarmila Štuková joined the team; she is mainly involved in creating prevention and awareness-raising campaigns
Our partners
