Inflicted burns and scalds in children.

Abstract

Ten children who had been burnt and six who had been scalded by parents or those caring for them were seen over three years. In no case did the thermal injury affect more than 5% of the body surface and there were no deaths. In seven the perineum or buttocks were in the burnt area. In 12 children there was evidence of other inflicted injury including six recent fractures. Staff caring for burnt children should be aware of this type of inflicted injury. X-ray skeletal surveys should be carried out in doubtful cases and a case conference initiated with the appropriate social work services to consider supervising the family after the child's discharge or taking legal care proceedings.