<p>Thermal injuries are among the five most frequent injuries in childhood and adolescence. Every year more than 6000 children and adolescents are treated in hospital following burns or scalding; approximately 30,000 are presented for medical treatment due to thermal injuries. A thermal injury is caused by damage to the skin due to temperatures that are beyond the regulatory capabilities of the skin. They can be caused by hot liquids, steam or gases, hot materials, effects of flames or explosions, strong solar radiation, electrical current or friction. The extent of the injuries is essentially determined by the temperature and the duration of exposure. Even in injuries with a relatively small area the potentially resulting cicatrix formation can lead to functional and/or esthetic impairments or stigmatization. Therefore, the optimal treatment (in addition to prevention) is decisive for the children and the aim of the S2k guidelines “Treatment of thermal injuries in childhood” of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). This article presents the contents of these guidelines and an adequate treatment of children with burn injuries.</p>