Extensive scalds following accidental immersion in hot water pools

Abstract

The scalds produced by immersion in hot water pools were extensive, usually of superficial depth on the upper parts of the body and deep dermal or full thickness skin loss on the lower parts. Blisters appeared rather slowly, within 2 days post-burn and often dispersed spontaneously. The estimated burned area on admission may thus be smaller than found subsequently. This study showed that the volume of fluid required for adequate resuscitation during the first post-burn day may be only 1–5 ml/kg/% BSA burned. Deep dermal burns were treated preferably by early tangential excision and grafting. The full thickness skin loss was treated by escharectomy and skin grafts.