[Thermal injuries : Clinical and acute management in pediatric practice].

BACKGROUND

Each year 30,000 children suffer from burn injuries in Germany and 2000 of these children must be treated in special pediatric burn centers. Approximately two thirds of these children are less than 4 years old, 70% of thermal injuries are due to scalding with hot liquids.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to give an overview of the characteristics of pediatric burn trauma with recommendations for initial treatment, surgical therapy as well as follow-up treatment.

CONCLUSION

Physicians are especially challenged by pediatric burn injuries which can cause lifelong stigma by scarring and other physical defects. The treatment of pediatric thermal injuries should be performed in clinics with expertise in treating pediatric burns to achieve optimal results.