What you need to know about burns and scalds
Nov 07, 2010
SARAH Kyomugisha’s eightmonth- old baby, Raymond, dipped his hand in a saucepan of hot sauce as he crawled in the kitchen. Like Raymond, many<br>children fall victim to burns and scalds.
By Agnes Kyotalengerire
SARAH Kyomugisha’s eightmonth- old baby, Raymond, dipped his hand in a saucepan of hot sauce as he crawled in the kitchen. Like Raymond, many
children fall victim to burns and scalds.
Dr. Christina Namatovu, a medical officer at the Burns Unit, Mulago Hospital, says half of the severe burns occur in children aged below five.
About half of these accidents happen in the kitchen, with most scalds resulting from hot liquids. Many toddlers get scalds on the head and forehead because they tend to pull at things.
Other causes of burns include candles, lamps, climbing into a bath of hot water
and electrocution. Namatovu says statistics reveal that burns in children have a peak season.
During school holidays, about three to five cases are registered daily, while
during school time, the figures drop to two to three a day.
Prevention
Keep children out of the kitchen. Do not leave them unattended to near a fire.
Seal electrical wires and unused sockets with tape.
Store hot stuff at heights that children cannot reach.
Turn pan handles away from places where a child may reach.
Do not take hot drinks with a baby on your lap.
Put cold water in the bath first
SARAH Kyomugisha’s eightmonth- old baby, Raymond, dipped his hand in a saucepan of hot sauce as he crawled in the kitchen. Like Raymond, many
children fall victim to burns and scalds.
Dr. Christina Namatovu, a medical officer at the Burns Unit, Mulago Hospital, says half of the severe burns occur in children aged below five.
About half of these accidents happen in the kitchen, with most scalds resulting from hot liquids. Many toddlers get scalds on the head and forehead because they tend to pull at things.
Other causes of burns include candles, lamps, climbing into a bath of hot water
and electrocution. Namatovu says statistics reveal that burns in children have a peak season.
During school holidays, about three to five cases are registered daily, while
during school time, the figures drop to two to three a day.
Prevention
Keep children out of the kitchen. Do not leave them unattended to near a fire.
Seal electrical wires and unused sockets with tape.
Store hot stuff at heights that children cannot reach.
Turn pan handles away from places where a child may reach.
Do not take hot drinks with a baby on your lap.
Put cold water in the bath first