Definition
Scalds are burn injuries produced by moist heat, such as hot liquids, steam or hot vapours.
Causes
Hot Liquids
- Boiling water, hot milk, tea, coffee, oil, soup
Steam and Vapours
- Steam from boilers, hot vapours
Characteristics
- Usually more superficial than flame burns.
- Tend to produce extensive blister formation.
- Hair is generally not singed.
- Charring is absent.
- Burns are often irregular and flow-dependent.
- Common in domestic and industrial accidents.
Common Sites
| Group | Sites |
|---|---|
| Adults | Upper limbs, trunk, lower limbs |
| Children | Face, neck, chest, upper limbs |