Causes of burns

There are six main causes of burns in children.

Scalds

This burn is a result of hot liquid, usually hot tea, coffee or bath water.  These burns are most common in the infant-pre school age group.  At this age children are very fast and unpredictable in their behaviour.

Depth: Superficial - Deep.

Flame

Results from an open flame or explosion.  These burns are also associated with flash burns, where the skin is burnt from the heat of the surrounding flames.  These burns are most often seen in toddlers playing with matches or teenage boys experimenting.

Depth: Partial - Deep.

Contact

Burn from touching a hot surface, for example a hot iron or oven door.

Depth: Superficial - Partial.

Electrical

Exposure to a live current, for example putting a knife into a power point.

Depth: Deep.

Chemical

Contact with a chemical substance. This may be on the skin or swallowed.  This includes drinking liquids such as drain cleaner.

Depth: Partial - Deep.

Sun

Exposure to excess of the suns ultraviolet rays.

Depth: Superficial - Partial.

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