BURNSURGERY.ORG 

Educating the burn care professionals around the world

Search Site  

High Risk

Activities

 

 

 

 

HOT IRON BURNS

to the

HANDS of YOUNG CHILD

Iron burns are the most common cause of contact burns in children, usually toddlers (less than 2 years).

Toddlers are likely oblivious to the danger of touching a hot iron or pulling an electric cord.

 

Most Common Cause of Burn

  • Hot clothes iron left to cool in the reach of an unattended child (50%)

  • Contact with hot curling iron, also usually left to cool (45%)
  • Sodering iron (5%)

 

Most Common Site

  • Palmar portion of the hand (75%)

  • Back of hand (25%)
  • Partial thickness burn (75%)
  • Deep burns requiring skin graft (25%)

 

Hey, can I grab that?

 

Preventative Measures

  • Education of parents regarding the dangers of hot irons
  • Development of a Parenteral “accident-conscious”
  • Ironing should be performed on proper ironing board rather than on the floor or low table.
  • A hot iron should not be left unattended at any time
  • The iron, when left to cool, should be unplugged and placed in a safe place, with the cord out of reach
  • A curling iron should never be placed on a low surface where a child could grab it.
  • Curling irons should always be placed in a safe place.
  • Warning labels placed on irons are valuable reminders to the user.

 

[Electric Stoves]

Supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters

 

 

 


© Copyright 2002-2004 Burnsurgery.org. All Rights Reserved