Pediatric burns

Because of the lack of conscious of danger, children are highly exposed to burn injury. According to the 2001 statistics, fire and burn injuries constitute 10% of all fatal injuries in the 0-14 year age group; this rate becomes 1% in the 15-24 year age group, in United States of America. In children, third degree burns more than 5% of total body surface area or second degree burns more than 10% of total body surface area should be considered as major burns and must be managed in a burn center or hospital. Incidence of child abuse can be high as 20% in pediatric burn patients, therefore should be investigated. Because of the risk of hypertrophic scar or contracture, preventive measures must be taken following the epithelization. (Turk Arch Ped 2010; 45 Suppl: 17-9)