Module 4 - Thermal, Electrical and Chemical Injuries

Pediatric Burns

• Burns and Pediatric Physiology:

  > Increased risk for morbidity because of greater surface area per kilogram body weight compared to adults

  > Greater evaporative water loss occurs; limited temperature regulation

  > Increased risk of full-thickness burns in children <2 yrs due to disproportionately thin skin

• Children <3 yrs usually present with scald burns while older children are usually injured by open flame
• Unique to pediatric burns is low-voltage electrical burn on lip and oral commissure resulting from child sucking or biting an electric cord
• Suspicion of child abuse or neglect should be noted and child hospitalized for protection