[Scalding injuries in children].

During the years 1989-91, 88 children were hospitalized in the Burn Unit. 60 children, of whom 57 were under five years of age, suffered from scalds. All of the injuries happened at home and nearly 60% of the children received immediate treatment with cold water. The causes of the scalds were hot tap water, tea, coffee or boiling water. Half of the children did not need surgery and stayed in the unit from one to 61 days. Information on burns and scalds prevention and first aid must be given to parents at the Health Care Centres, on radio and TV, and in the newspapers. In order to reduce scalds from hot tap water, legislation should be considered which would limit the temperature of such water to maximum 60 degrees C. Health personnel who meet these problems should present the above information to the politicians.