Burns can be terrifying for children, leading to extreme pain and trauma. Parents, therefore, need to be aware of the primary causes of paediatric burns and the preventive measures they can take to protect their children.
In this article, we will shed light on the common causes of paediatric burns and provide strategies for parents to avoid these potentially devastating accidents.
What are paediatric burns?
Paediatric burns refer to burn injuries sustained by children and adolescents. These injuries can result from different sources, such as heat, electricity, or chemicals.
Paediatric burns range in severity from minor, superficial burns to severe, life-threatening injuries that require extensive medical treatment. The impact of burns on children can be profound, affecting them physically and emotionally.
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Scalds
Scalds are the most common type of paediatric burn, typically caused by hot liquids or steam. They often happen at home, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom.
Young children are vulnerable to scalds due to their thinner skin, which burns more quickly than adult skin. Some common scenarios leading to scald incidents include:
- Hot beverages: Spilling hot coffee, tea, or soup.
- Bathtime: Water temperature is too high, or children are turning on hot water taps.
- Cooking: Children reaching for hot pots, pans, or kettles on the stove.
Contact burns
Contact burns involve direct contact of the skin with a hot object, such as metal, glass, or plastic, leading to thermal injury. These burns are common among children and can result from various household items and environmental factors. Some examples include:
- Household appliances: Irons, hair straighteners, curling irons, and space heaters are frequent culprits. When left unattended or within reach of children, these hot surfaces can cause severe burns.
- Cookware and utensils: Hot pots, pans, baking sheets, and metal utensils can cause burns if touched shortly after use.
Flame burns
Flame burns result from exposure to open flames, such as those from matches, lighters, candles, and fireworks. This type of paediatric burn is particularly dangerous because it can cause deep tissue damage and is often associated with inhalation injuries from smoke. Flame burns are commonly caused by:
- Matches and lighters
Young children are naturally curious and may play with these items, inadvertently starting a fire or burning themselves.
- Candles
Children can accidentally knock over lit candles or touch the flame out of curiosity.
- House fires
House fires can lead to severe flame burns. Children are particularly vulnerable to these events because they do not move as fast as adults and have slower reaction times.
Electrical burns
Burn injuries resulting from a child coming into contact with electrical currents are known as electrical burns. This type of paediatric burn can cause severe internal and external injuries. Common causes of electrical burns are:
- Electrical outlets
Curious children may insert objects like fingers, metal utensils, or toys into the outlets, leading to electric shock and burns.
- Electrical wiring
Accidentally touching live wires or exposed or faulty electrical wiring in the home can lead to electrical burns.
- Batteries
Batteries can cause electrical burns if they leak or children come into contact with the terminals.
Chemical burns
Some household products such as cleaning solutions and batteries, and other substances can cause paediatric chemical burns. These burns damage the skin and mucous membranes. Some common causes are:
- Household cleaning products
Bleach, oven cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners contain strong acids or alkalis that can cause severe burns upon contact.
- Industrial chemicals
Solvents, acids, and alkalis used in industrial settings can cause severe burns. Parents may work with these substances and inadvertently bring them home.
- Art and craft supplies
Certain art supplies, such as glues, paints, and solvents, may contain chemicals that can cause burns.
What to do after a burn accident
If your child sustains a burn, you must act quickly and calmly to minimise the injury and prevent further damage. The immediate action you take can significantly impact your child’s recovery from a paediatric burn. Here’s what you should do:
- Ensure safety: Remove your child from the source of the burn to prevent further injury.
- Cool the burn: Run cool water over the injured skin for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove constrictive items: Carefully remove any tight clothing, jewellery, or accessories around the burn area.
- Protect the burn: Cover the injury with a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth.
- Comfort your child: Keep your child calm and reassured.
- Seek help: Call an ambulance for immediate medical attention for severe burns.
Paediatric Burns Treatment in Singapore
Parents can reduce the risk of burn injuries in their children by implementing preventive strategies. However, in the unfortunate event of a burn injury, you should seek prompt medical care for your child to improve their chances of recovery.
Dr Lee Hanjing of Argent Plastic Surgery provides corrective surgery for scars caused by paediatric burns in Singapore. She performs skin grafts and reconstructive procedures, repairing damaged skin and tissues. She prioritises children’s recovery and minimising scarring.