Child Health A-Z

When to Call Your Child's Physician

It is important to contact your child's physician in the following situations:

if your child is not eating or drinking well
if there is antisocial or disruptive behavior at home or school
if there are signs of infection (healing burn areas change and become red, warm, swollen, extremely tender, and have foul odor)
if there is uncontrollable itching
if the scar cracks open or splits
if a contracture occurs
if your child's temperature is greater than 101.5^° F rectally or by mouth
if it appears that the dressing changes are painful for your child (you may want to discuss pain medication with your physician)

Last Update
February 3, 2008