This summer, high temperatures are expected across the country, especially in the western United States. Attending protests and other large outdoor gatherings during extreme temperatures can cause serious health effects and injuries. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. They have thinner skin and lower heat tolerance than adults. Exposure to high temperatures can cause heat stroke and dehydration. Sitting, laying, or falling on hot surfaces can cause significant burns, especially to young children. Severe burns can lead to serious medical complications and ongoing inpatient or outpatient care. In many cases, immediate medical treatment should be pursued. 

Parents and guardians should be especially cautious for potential burn risks to children and educate themselves on how to treat different types of burns. 

Thermal Contact Burns 

Pavement burns can cause serious damage, especially to children. Care should be taken when outside to avoid direct contact with pavement, sidewalks, playground equipment, and other surfaces that can become extremely hot in summer months. Pavement and other surface temperatures are much higher than recorded weather temperatures.

SURFACES ARE HOTTER THAN AIR TEMPERATURE

(shown in degrees Fahrenheit)

Treating a Pavement Burn

Accidents can happen even when taking precautions, so if you or someone near you gets burned by a hot surface, follow the four C’s: cool, clean, cover, and call. 

• Cool the burn to soothe the area and prevent further tissue damage by immersing the affected area in cool (not cold) water for at least 10 minutes.
• Clean the burn with mild soap and water to prevent infection.
• Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing.
• Call for medical attention if needed. Most minor first-degree burns can be managed at home. If the burn blisters (second-degree) or appears white or charred (third-degree), seek emergency care immediately. If the burn is first-degree, but on an infant or elderly person, or in a sensitive area like the groin or face, consult a doctor.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns can be serious and painful, and cause families fear and uncertainty about where to turn for answers. Exposure to chemicals, either outdoors or indoors, can pose immediate and/or long-term health risks, especially in children and those with underlying health conditions. It is important for children to receive prompt assessment and treatment for a chemical burn.

If your child is burned by chemicals:

• Flush the area with large quantities of cool water to dilute and remove the chemical from the skin.
• Dry chemicals should be brushed off the skin, and the area flushed with large quantities of cool water.
• Identify the chemical and contact poison control for additional instructions.
• Seek immediate medical attention and call 911 if necessary. If emergency transport is needed, EMS should flush eyes with water or saline during transport.
• Once the injury has been assessed in an emergency setting, seek care at a healthcare facility with pediatric burn expertise.

Resources

NOAA US Climate Outlook for June 2025: https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/us-climate-outlook-june-2025

National Library of Medicine "Streets of Fire" revisited: contact burns: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31687415/

CDC Riot Control Agents: https://www.cdc.gov/chemical-emergencies/chemical-fact-sheets/riot-control-agents.html#

UpToDate Moderate and severe thermal burns in children: Emergency management: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/moderate-and-severe-thermal-burns-in-children-emergency-management

Shriners Children’s Chemical Burns: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/pediatric-care/chemical-burns