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Scald injury in children

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center - February 04, 2025

As the only Burn Center in Idaho, EIRMC treats hundreds of burn patients each year, including children.

Dr. Tait Olaveson, Medical Director of Burn Center at EIRMC, is particularly concerned about the rise in pediatric scald injuries treated at EIRMC.  For the past three years, the number has continued to increase.  In 2024, fourteen children were hospitalized at EIRMC with scald injuries.

“EIRMC treats young patients who receive serious and painful burns when their skin is exposed to hot liquid. At 140 degrees, it only takes three seconds to develop a significant burn.”

The #1 scalding risk for children is cooking with hot liquids.  The microwave tends to be a common place for children to perform their cooking, and removing hot items from the microwave can be dangerous.  As a child pulls out a hot bowl of ramen or a mug of hot chocolate, the liquid can easily spill onto their skin.   Ensure that the microwave is not too high for a child (they may need a stool), and use larger bowls or oversize mugs when heating liquids.

Bathtub submersion also poses a dangerous risk to infants and children.  Never place a child in hot water without first checking the temperature.  Dr. Olaveson recommends using the back of your wrist, as the thin skin gives the best gauge.  Remember that children have more sensitive skin than adults.  If baby’s skin is red, the water is too hot.

Other helpful tips:

  • Set your water heater below 120 degrees and always supervise kids when in the bath.
  • Create a “no kid zone” in the kitchen around stoves, ovens and hot items.
  • Keep hot drinks way from edges of tables and counters.
  • Use a travel mug with a tight-fitting lid for all hot drinks.
  • Place pots and pans on the back burner with handles turned away from the edge of the stove.

If your child suffers a scald injury:

  1. Cool the burn with COOL (not cold) water to stop the burning process. Do not use ice, butter or lotions.
  2. Remove all clothing and/or diaper from the injured area.
  3. Cover the area with a clean dry sheet or bandages.
  4. Seek medical help.   If the skin has blistering, bring them to EIRMC’s ED or outpatient Burn, Trauma, Wound Clinic to be seen.  EIRMC’s Burn Center has capability to help treat pediatric patients so they have less pain and improved outcomes during the healing process.