incubation Firstdegree burns (reddened skin only) can usually be cared for at home. Immediately apply cold compresses to the burn or place the burned area under cold running water. Continue applying cold until the pain lessens (up to onehalf hour). Firstdegree burns treated at home must be covered to prevent infection. The covering should not stick to the burn, but it should keep out air and germs until the burn has healed. (If air is kept from the burn, there should be no further pain.) Generously apply petroleum jelly or a cream containing silver sulfadiazine to the burn. (Silver sulfadiazine requires a prescription, but your doctor may prescribe it over the telephone.) Then cover the area with several thicknesses of sterile gauze. Change the dressing every 24 to 48 hours until the burn has completely healed. For simple sunburn, apply overthecounter sunburn products, if needed, and leave uncovered. PRECAUTIONS • If a severely burned child becomes weak, pale, cold and clammy, or shows any other signs of shock, keep the child warm and get medical help immediately. • Do not break open blisters caused by burns. • Electrical burns often occur when young children chew on live electrical wires and extension cords. A physician should examine any electrical burn. • Water over 115°F can scald. If there are young children in the home, turn down the thermostat on the water heater. • When cooking, keep your eyes on young children. • Keep matches and cigarette lighters out of your child's reach. • Do not keep gasoline or other flammables in the house. Keep them under lock and key outside. • Avoid flammable garments. • Keep childproof plugs in electrical outlets. • Keep your child's tetanus immunization status up to date. (This is particularly important in the event of second or thirddegree burns.) • Do not leave children home alone-not even for a moment. MEDICAL TREATMENT A child will usually be hospitalized for any thirddegree burn, for seconddegree burns that cover more than 10 percent of the skin, and for seconddegree burns of the face, fingers, or joints. In the hospital the proper dressings can be applied: antibiotics and intravenous fluids can be administered, if necessary; and the child's condition can be monitored for complications. Plastic surgery may be necessary. RELATED TOPICS: Blisters; Shock; Sunburn; Tetanus Quick Reference Cat scratch fever SYMPTOMS • Cat scratch or bite that does not heal • Redness • Pus • Swollen, tender, or red lymph nodes • Lowgrade fever HOME CARE • Immediately scrub cat scratches or bites with soap and water for ten minutes. • Apply an antiseptic. • If the wound becomes infected, see your doctor. PRECAUTIONS • Do not allow young children to play with cats without supervision. • Warn children not to tease cats or any other animals. Scrub all cat scratches and bites immediately with soap and water j°r ten minutes. Cat scratch fever is caused most often by a germ-probably a transmitted by a minor scratch or bite from a kitten or young which is not itself ill. infantum