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PEDIATRICS Vol. 111 No. 2 February 2003, pp. e191-e194

ELECTRONIC ARTICLE

Accidental Scald Burns in Sinks

Scald burns to the feet and lower extremities in children are described in the literature as often resulting from forced immersions. This report illustrates 3 cases of burns whose distribution and historical factors identify them as accidental. The location of these accidental burns is similar to those found in inflicted injury, but the patterns were indicative of flowing water burns, not forced immersions. Burns in these locations may be confused with abuse. Medical providers need to be aware of information that may enable them to distinguish the 2 causes. Effective caregiver education regarding the importance of lowering the temperature of water heaters and discouraging play in household sinks is critical to prevent additional tap water scald burn injuries.

M. Olivia Titus, MD*, Amy L. Baxter, MD{ddagger} and Suzanne P. Starling, MD{ddagger}

* Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
{ddagger} Eastern Virginia Medical School, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia

Key Words: scalds • burns • injuries • pediatric • abuse

Received for publication Jun 14, 2002; Accepted Sep 30, 2002.