Pediatric Burns

Burns, which can range from mild to life-threatening, are one of the most common injuries in children. A burn happens when the skin and underlying tissues are exposed to extreme heat or cold, electricity, chemicals, or friction. These are especially serious for children because their skin is thinner and more fragile.

Pediatric burn injuries require specialized care to support healing, manage pain, and minimize scarring. Pediatric surgeons are experienced in treating burns of all types and severities.

What causes it?

Common causes of childhood burns include:

  • Scalds from hot or cold liquids or steam
  • Contact with hot surfaces, like stoves or irons
  • Fire or flame exposure
  • Electrical injuries
  • Chemical burns from cleaning products or batteries
  • Sunburns

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Pediatric Surgery

What types of burns require surgery?

Burns are classified by how deeply they affect the skin. While some minor burns may heal on their own, pediatric surgeons specialize in treating deeper or more complex burns that may benefit from surgical evaluation or intervention.

Superficial burns (first degree)

These burns affect only the top layer of skin and are similar to sunburns. The skin may be red and sore, but usually heals without scarring or surgery.

Partial-thickness burns (second degree)

Partial-thickness burns may heal on their own, but pediatric burn surgeons play an important role in improving outcomes. Surgeons will assess the burn, carefully remove any damaged skin, and apply a skin substitute or other specialized dressing to help prevent infection. Your child will be followed closely to monitor healing.

Delayed surgery may be needed if the burn does not heal within about two weeks. If the burn does heal, we will continue to monitor for any thick, raised scars (called hypertrophic scars). These can be treated with compression garments, topical medications, or additional surgery.

Full-thickness burns (third degree)

These burns require surgery. This is done in the operating room while your child is under anesthesia. During the procedure, the burned tissue is removed until we reach healthy skin at the base of the wound. To cover the wound, a skin graft may be performed using healthy skin from another part of your child’s body. Sometimes, a spray using the child’s skin cells (called a skin cell suspension) is created to help the area heal more effectively. After surgery, dressings typically stay in place for five to seven days to allow the grafted skin to bond and begin healing.

How are burns evaluated?

The care team will evaluate your child’s burn by examining the skin, assessing the depth and size of the injury, and reviewing how the burn occurred. For severe burns or when internal injuries are suspected, additional imaging or blood tests may be ordered.

Surgical procedures to treat burns

Depending on the burn’s depth, size, and location, your child may need one or more surgical treatments to support healing, reduce pain, and improve function. Pediatric burn surgeons are trained in a range of advanced procedures, including:

  • Burn debridement: removal of damaged or dead skin to help a burn heal and prevent infection
  • Skin substitute placement: applying a temporary or permanent material to cover the wound and support healing when natural skin isn’t available
  • Skin grafting: transferring healthy skin from one part of the body to cover and heal a burn or wound
  • Skin cell suspension creation and delivery: spraying a solution made from the patient’s own skin cells onto the burn to help new skin grow faster
  • Tissue transfers: moving healthy tissue from one area of the body to another to repair damaged or missing skin
  • Local or regional flap coverage: using nearby skin, fat, or muscle with its own blood supply to cover a wound or burn
  • Scar contracture release: surgery to loosen tight or thickened scar tissue that limits movement
  • Reconstructive surgeries: procedures that restore function or appearance after a severe burn or injury
  • Laser treatment for hypertrophic scars: using focused light to reduce thick, raised scars and improve skin texture and flexibility

Ongoing treatment

Children with severe burns may require long-term care to support recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Follow-up treatment may include:

  • Wound care and scar management
  • Additional reconstructive surgeries as your child grows
  • Mental health support to help your child and family cope with the trauma of injury and recovery
  • Ongoing rehabilitation to support recovery, restore function, and help your child return to normal routines


Visit our pediatric surgery page to learn more about our services and providers.