What you need to know about paediatric burn injuries
Over 1 300 South African children die from burn-related injuries every year. Make sure your child doesn’t become part of this statistic.
Did you know that in South Africa, the rate of paediatric burn deaths is five times higher than in other upper-middle-income countries, with concentrations in impoverished settings?
Nine in 10 children admitted to burns units sustain their injuries at home, usually in the kitchen.
According to a report published in the Sunday Times earlier this year, liquid burns such as coffee, tea, porridge, pap, soup, and bath water are most prevalent in the younger toddler age group up to about three years old. This is likely due to them becoming more mobile and exploring their environment. Flame burns are fewer but much more significant and carry an increased risk of dying.
Important safety points
- Firstly, never leave your child unattended! Make sure that there is adult supervision for your child at all times especially when near an open fire such as a braai.
- Secondly, educate your children about burn safety soon as they are old enough to understand. Parents often feel as if they are endlessly repeating the phrase ‘don’t touch’ but your child needs to know that items that may be hot to the touch are off-limits – and that there are consequences if this rule is ignored.
- Thirdly, attend a first-aid course so that you know how to respond in case of an emergency.
What to do in the event of a small fire
South Africa experiences a lot of overcrowded living conditions, where children should especially be watched as accidents can happen so quickly, and fires spread even quicker. Hazardous items such as matches, heaters, electrical appliances, and any substances that can cause chemical burns should be removed from the reach of children. All prime, gas, or electrical stoves are a huge burn hazard and children should be taught about the dangers from a young age.
- In the event of an electrical stove catching alight, a bag of sand or flour should be used to put it out rather than water. Remember to switch off the electricity and turn the stove off.
- In the event of oil catching alight, never throw water onto the pot as this will just make it worse, rather use a wet dishcloth or sand to put over the fire.
- In the event of the child’s clothes catching alight, the child should drop to the floor and then be wrapped in a blanket to put the fire out. Never let the child run while his clothes are on fire, as the flames will get bigger with more oxygen.
- Clothes that are melted into the skin will need to be removed by a doctor at a medical facility.
- In the event of a water burn, the clothing should be removed immediately.
Judging the severity of a burn
If the burn is larger than the size of the child’s palm, or if it begins to blister immediately, urgent medical assistance is required. Burns caused by electric shock should also be seen by a doctor as soon as possible, as these may cause internal injuries. Smoke inhalation is also considered serious. Even small burns may require medical intervention if they appear infected so make sure your doctor takes a look.
After burn treatment
Sepsis is a real threat following burns and precautions need to be taken to avoid this. Hygiene and care are essential during the dressing of burns to prevent or control sepsis. If your child is given antibiotics, this must be taken regularly and the course should be completed according to your doctor’s recommendations.
A multi-purpose cream
After the burn has healed, applying Multi-Purpose Cream to soften the keloids or to decrease the scarring is very important. Healing of burns and especially keloids is a long process and a positive attitude of the parent or caregiver is necessary to assist the emotional wellbeing of the child on the road to recovery and in some many cases scaring and damage is for life.
