An extraordinary cause of scalding injury in childhood

Abstract

In an attempt to statistically evaluate burn injuries in childhood in terms of incidence, aetiology, mortality and morbidity, a surprising aetiological cause was noticed, not only as having a high mortality rate, but also as being preventable in most cases if simple precautions are taken. Fifteen preschool children had been severely scalded in kitchens by hot milk which was heated in a cauldron to produce cheese, a traditional custom. The clinical data relating to this aetiology and the probable underlying factors pertaining to the social characteristics are given and discussed.