Characteristic of Children with Scald Burn Admitted in Plastic Surgery Unit of the Tertiary Care Centre of North India

Abstract

Background

Scalds are caused by contact with hot liquids or steam, mainly caused by spillage and immersion. The extent of the scald burn depends on temperature, volume and density of the liquid, age of the child and absorbing ability of the clothes. For the prevention of scalds, the need was felt to study the pattern and the characteristics of scald burns among children.

Objective

To assess the characteristics of scald, burn injuries in children admitted to the tertiary care centre of North India.

Research Methodology

A descriptive study was conducted in plastic surgery units of a tertiary care centre in northern India. A total of 45 children (aged up to 14 years) were enrolled using total enumerating sampling at the time of admission to the hospital. The caregivers were interviewed as per an interview schedule composing of (a) sociodemographic profile of the children and caregivers, (b) burn assessment sheet and wound status.

Result

Majority of scalds were due to spillage (84.4%) and 75.6% children did not receive first aid, 62.2% children did not apply anything just after the burn. Majority of the scalds happened indoors (77.8%). Most of the caregivers (84.4%) preferred the local civil hospital for the first consultation. Burnt area of 26.7% of children was in the range of 20%–25% total burn surface area (TBSA). The commonly burnt part was the lower extremities (26.1%) and chest (19.3%). Spillage from edible items was responsible for 60% of burns (tea, coffee, milk, dal, etc.). Half of the scalds happened where the kitchen was not separated from the living room, the kitchen was a sitting style or floor cooking. Most of the kitchens (60%) did not have a door and were attached to the living room. Age up to three years old and male children are at high risk for scald burns.

Conclusions

Spillage is the most common mode of scald. Majority of scalds occurred in indoor, that is, kitchen and bathroom. It indicates a lack of awareness and poor handling of about keep of hot drinks and hot water in houses. Raising awareness among caregivers protecting children from hot drinks and hot water is important for prevention of scald burn injuries.