PURPOSE: Scald burns are the leading cause of burns in children, especially in those younger than 5 years of age, however, they are easily preventable. Our aim in this study was to emphasise the importance and impact of scald burns caused by hot milk.
METHODS: A total of 334 patients below seven years of age were included in this study. Of these, 252 were admitted with acquired hot water scald burns (Group 1) and 82 with hot milk scald burns (Group 2) between August 2009 and September 2010. Demographic data of the patients were retrospectively investigated.
RESULTS: The depth of the burns was determined to be higher in Group 2 (p < 0.001). The total burnt body surface area in Group 1 and Group 2 were 17.1 ± 12.3 and 16.3 ± 10.9 (p = 0.99), respectively. Skin grafting was performed in 23 patients in Group 1 and 16 patients in Group 2 (p = 0.01) and complications developed in three patients in Group 1 and in five patients in Group 2 (p = 0.01). The mean length of hospital stay was 9.1 ± 7.4 days in Group 1 and 14.9 ± 9.8 days in Group 2 (p < 0.001) and the mortality rates were similar between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS: More emphasis should be placed on the effects of hot milk scalding due to its ominous clinical course and the high healthcare costs associated with this type of scalding. We believe that taking simple precautions would help reduce the physical, psychological effects and financial consequences of hot milk scalds.