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CHILDREN AND SCALD BURNS Kathe M. Conlon, BSN, RN, CEM Each year more than 400 patients are admitted to The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center for serious burn injury. Another 500-600 require care on an outpatient basis. Approximately 40 percent of all patients are children, under the age of 5 years, mostly scalded from hot liquids. These numbers are not unique to our The Burn Center. National statistics show that burns remain the third leading cause of traumatic injury in the United States, many occurring in the home environment. Although these statistics can be frightening, with a little prevention, they can also easily be avoided. A burn occurs when skin comes in contact with high heat; the higher the temperature and longer the exposure, the greater the damage. Since young children have skin much thinner than adult skin, this age group is particularly vulnerable. A hot cup of tea or a steaming bath, while dangerous to an adult, is devastating to a young child. What to do if a burn occurs If your infant or toddler does get burned, the choices you make in those first few minutes may save a lifetime of concern. You should immediately cool the burn, remove the child’s clothing and seek medical attention. When cooling the burn, use a wet cloth or towel, or gently pour water over the burned area. Clothing should be quickly removed as it holds in heat and continues to burn. Never use ice, butter or any other home remedies. They do not work and often worsen the burn. For all burns, consult your pediatrician or take your child to the nearest emergency department. Serious burns should be referred to a burn center. To reach The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas, please call (973) 322-5924. What can you do to reduce the risk of burn injury in children? The burn team at Saint Barnabas recommends the following: · Keep all hot foods, especially liquids, away from curious hands. Center them in the middle of a table or on back of a counter, keeping cords and pot handles turned inward. · Limit the use of table cloths, place mats or anything toddlers (especially those just learning to walk) may grab onto, causing hot items to splash down. · Never carry a child while holding hot liquids. · When using a stroller, do not put hot drinks, such as coffee, in the cup holder. If you hit a bump in the sidewalk it can topple onto the child. Instead, always drink out of travel or spill proof mug (even at home). · Teach even very young children to stand back, or place them securely in a high chair when carrying hot foods from the stove or oven. · Always test bath water. Water temperature for babies and toddlers should not be over 100 degrees. · While in the bath, position toddlers facing away from faucets. They will be less likely to reach out and turn them on. · Set hot water heaters to 120 degrees. This setting greatly reduces the risk of burns, yet still leaves plenty of hot water for bathing, appliances or other household needs. If you live in an apartment building, discuss this with your landlord. By law, temperature setting may not be higher than 130 degrees. · Consider purchasing anti-scald valves or bath thermometers, available at most home centers. The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas is New Jersey’s only certified burn treatment facility. With 12 intensive care beds and an 18-bed Step-down unit for less critically injured patients, The Burn Center is one of the largest in the U. S. and Canada. To arrange educational programs or make a donation, contact Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation at January 9, 2007 CONTACT: PUBLIC RELATIONS (973) 322-9901 [ top ] |
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