Epidemiology of severe scald in 0–5–year-old children at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital – A 5-year retrospective study

Abstract

Background: The 0–5-year-old age group has the highest incidence of scalds. In assessing a child with scalds, it will be beneficial to look at the interactions between the host, substance, mechanism, and environment. These factors have an effect on the degree, percentage, distribution, and pattern of injury sustained by the child. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study comprised children aged 0–5 years who were admitted to the Burn Unit of the GMCH, Guwahati, with scald wounds between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, for a period of 5 years. After receiving ethical committee approval, the records of the patients were gathered from the medical records department of GMCH, Guwahati, during this time period. Results: Majority of the incidences were found in male children aged 9–12 months. Scalds commonly occur in rural areas and indoor at home. The upper lower class had the most scald injuries and parents had a poor educational status. The most common substance was hot water in a vessel. The most common mechanism was for a child to pull a hot water down over themselves. In descending order, children suffered a significantly higher proportion of scalds to the hand, chest, and face. Conclusions: Children should be closely supervised by elders or parents, particularly in the kitchen while at home. Parents and caregivers should receive preventive education and training. All kitchen practices, such as floor cooking, low-level shelves, and keeping hot liquids in easily accessible places, should be avoided to prevent childhood scalds.