TREATING BURNS
By Malcolm, Med Star Paediatric
On average in the UK, 110 children are seen every day in Emergency Departments as a result of burns. The most common place to sustain a burn is in the home, and 49% of all burn injuries occur in the kitchen.
TYPES OF BURN
The three most common types of burn in children are:
SCALDS
Scalds are the most common type, representing approx. 43% of all burns. Being scalded is also the no.1 culprit for burns in babies and young children. Approximately 46 children are seen in ED’s every day due to being scalded by spilt tea or coffee alone. Children can also be scalded by hot bath water, hot food (i.e. gravy), or hot water/steam from a kettle or cooking pan.
DRY BURNS
HOW SEVERE IS THE BURN? SIZE
If a child has a burn injury of ANY SIZE seek medical advice
CAUSE
The cause of the burn can significantly dictate its severity. Chemicals can also be poisonous and electrical burns can cause severe damage within the body.
AGE
Children (and the elderly) are especially at risk following a burn injury.
Dry burns can be caused by contact with flames or hot objects, for example fires (including bonfires), matches, hot cookers or stoves, hot food plates and cups or hair straighteners.
LOCATION
CHEMICAL BURNS
DEPTH
Chemical burns can be caused by swallowing a liquid or solid/powdered chemical, or swallowing button batteries. 10 somethingNew THE PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR DORSET FAMILIES
Burns affecting the face, hands, feet, genitals or burns which completely surround a limb or the body can be especially serious. Don’t forget - If a child sustains a burn ensure that you get immediate medical advice, irrespective of the depth of the burn.
