Starchy liquid burns do not have worse outcomes in children relative to hot beverage scalds.

AIM: To characterise children presenting with hot beverage scalds versus scalds caused by starchy water.

METHODS

Retrospective survey of prospectively collected database of all children presenting over a two-year period.

RESULTS

There were 138 starch scalds and 262 hot beverage injuries. Children with hot beverage injuries were significantly younger (18.2 months; IQR 14.1, 27.8) than those suffering starch scald injuries (51.4 months; 18.7, 102.3; p<0.001). Perineal burns were more common in the starch group than the hot beverage scald group (10.9% vs. 2.4%, p<0.001). Chest/breast and abdominal burns were more common in the hot beverage group than the starch group (60.7% vs. 36.9%, p<0.001). Children under three years of age in both groups are significantly less likely to receive adequate first aid at the scene (p<0.001). There are no differences in the need for skin grafting or scar management when comparing hot beverage scalds and scalds caused by starchy liquids.

CONCLUSIONS

Scald injuries caused by starchy liquids do not appear to cause a more severe injury than hot beverage scalds. There is a different pattern of injury from starchy liquids in older children. Children under three years old are less likely to receive appropriate first aid at the scene.