Close adult supervision is a must. Burns are classified according to the depth and extent of the skin damage. First degree is limited to the outer skin layer, with redness and tenderness. These peel in about a week. Second degree involves the top layer of skin and some beneath, with redness and blistering.
Third degree involves the full thickness of the skin, often appearing white or charred.
Don't take time to remove clothing or call the doctor. You can handle most first-degree burns at home, with a sterile pad or gauze dressing. If it's a second-degree burn, don't break the blisters. If the burn affects a large area, cover it with a clean sheet until you seek medical care. A physician will want to see the child if the burn involves the face, hands, feet or genital area.