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Burns are the only injury that affects girls more in any age group of children.
Burns and scalds
In 2002, almost 37,000 children under 15 were injured with burns and scalds in the UK.
75% of these children were under 5 years old.
95% of these injuries happened at home.*
Over half the children who go to casualty with a burn or scald require further hospital or specialist care. Recovery can be long and painful, both physically and emotionally. Many have to live with permanent scarring.
Scalds (a burn caused by a hot liquid) are more common. The majority happen in the kitchen and bathroom from:
- Hot drinks
- Kettles
- Pots of boiling water
- Hot oil or fat
- Tap water
- Bath water
Causes of burns include:
- Open fires
- Radiators / heaters
- Cookers
- Barbecues
- Irons
- Hair straighteners
- Fireworks
- The sun
- Matches
- Cigarette lighters
- Candles
House fires are also a significant cause of death, though most of these deaths are caused by smoke inhalation.
* Source: Child Accident Prevention Trust, Burns and Scalds Factsheet, www.capt.org.uk/FAQ
