Last year, 64 percent of patients with burns admitted to Children’s
Hospital of Wisconsin were hurt as a result of a scald injury. Scald injuries occur from hot liquid contact to the skin. Young children frequently are injured when they pull a container of hot liquid onto themselves or are left unsupervised in the kitchen. Older children can be burned during food preparation, especially from food heated in the microwave.
Hot food and beverage warnings
Hot food and beverages often cause more severe scald burns than tap water, because they generally are heated to higher temperatures. Food and beverages such as coffee, cocoa, oatmeal, soup with noodles and oil also have a thicker texture that sticks to the skin and causes a deeper injury.
Here are a few tips to prevent scald burns:
- Children should not play close to the stove or sink.
- Place high chairs and playpens at least 24 inches away from counters, tables and stove tops to ensure that children cannot reach hot liquids, be splattered by an accidental spill or come in contact with hot surfaces.
- Never drink or carry hot liquids while holding or carrying a child.
- Never put hot liquids on low tables. Place hot foods or beverages in the center of the table, at least 10 inches from the edge.
- Turn pan handles in toward the stove, and cook on the back burners.
Microwave oven injuries
Microwave ovens heat food and liquids to very high temperatures and can cause scald burns from spills, splashes and release of steam.
To prevent microwave scald injuries:
- Be sure the microwave is at a safe height for users. Your face always should be higher than the door of the microwave.
- Never allow children younger than age 7 to use the microwave unsupervised.
- Never heat bottles of formula or milk in the microwave. Remember to test the temperature before giving the food or beverage to a child.
- Follow microwave popcorn package directions. Prevent steam scalds by cooling the bag briefly before opening. Open the bag away from your face.
Tap water warnings
A scald burn can occur quickly if your home’s water heater is not properly set. To prevent tap water scald injuries:
• Set your water heater to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. This is the safest bathing temperature for children.
• Never leave the bathtub unattended while it’s filling.
• Do not allow young children to adjust the water temperature in the bathtub. Face children way from the faucet during bath time so they don’t accidentally increase the water temperature.
Stacy Barry Coffey, PT, is a pediatric physical therapist, and Colleen Baughn, OT, is a pediatric occupational therapist. They see patients in the Burn Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, which is staffed with specially trained medical professionals who provide treatment for all levels of burn injuries.