While significant burns are down, thanks to education and prevention efforts, Dayton Children’s experts say burn injuries spike every January and July. In July, the cause is related to fireworks. In January, the culprits tend to be hot foods and heaters. “We see a lot of burns from hot chocolate,” says Linda Hollen, FNP-C, burn clinic advanced practice nurse at Dayton Children’s Hospital. “Ramen noodles and oatmeal are also trouble foods. Many times children are handling these items in Styrofoam cups and may spill onto their hands or laps, leading to severe burns.”
Dayton Children’s burn clinic saw approximately 800 children last year. The average patient is typically male, around 5 years old and suffering from second-degree burns. Second-degree burns are worse than a sunburn but don’t reach the muscle or fat.
As part of Burn Awareness Week, the experts want parents to remember that kids are special. “Children’s skin is thinner than adult’s skin, and therefore, it burns faster and easier,” says Dr. David P. Meagher Jr., medical director of surgery and burn care at Dayton Children’s. “In addition, children are also still growing. A burn on a critical area, like a hand, could impact the child into their adult life, if not treated properly. They need ongoing, specialized care so that they heal in a way that allows the skin to continue growing well.”
Parents can help by closely watching their children around hot liquids. “Carry cups of hot water or liquid for children and have them sit at a table to drink or eat,” says Hollen. “Don’t allow them underfoot while you are working with boiling liquids in the kitchen.”
An easy way to protect children from burns is to turn the water heater down to 120 degrees. “Even 10 degrees hotter can give a child a third degree burn in a matter of seconds,” says Dr. Meagher. “When filling up a bathtub, make sure the temperature is no hotter than 100 degrees. Check it with your wrist or elbow before giving baby a bath.”
Make sure children know to stay away from space heater, baseboard heaters and fireplaces. These are the second most common trouble area for burns in children.
Hair irons can also be a danger zone. “About 14 percent of the burns we see are caused by hair irons,” says Hollen. “These appliances can heat up to 300-400 degrees. A child typically will yank on the cord bringing the hot metal down on them, causing serious burns.” Parents also need to pay special attention when they are working out on a treadmill. Children will place their hand on the moving belt, giving them a friction burn which can cause serious injury.
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