Chemical burns in children: Aetiology and prevention.

BACKGROUND: Chemical burns account for a small proportion of total burns in children, but may require specific first aid and different modes of prevention.

METHODS: A retrospective study between 2006 and 2012 of children ≤16 years treated with chemical burns at a specialist paediatric burn centre. Data were extracted from a prospectively maintained database.

RESULTS: 56 episodes of chemical burns occurred during the study period. The majority (54%) occurred in boys. There were 39 (72%) patients <10 years and 17 (39%) ≥10 years. Median total body surface area burnt was 1% with nine (16%) patients requiring skin grafting. Only 24 (45%) had adequate first aid. The majority (n=46, 82%) of chemical burns occurred in the domestic setting, especially in the <10 years age group (P=0.052). Non-intentional exposure of chemicals by an unattended child accounted for half of all (n=22, 49%) chemical burns <10 years of age. Eight (47%) burns in patients ≥10 years resulted from self-harm. The most common aetiological agents were household cleaners and aerosols in the younger and older age groups respectively.

CONCLUSION: Chemical burns remain infrequent but potentially preventable. These burns mainly occur in the domestic setting due to non-intentional exposure of household chemicals in children <10, and due to deliberate self-harm in children ≥10. The use of child-resistant packaging, similar to that used for medications, and improved parental practices could help decrease the incidence of burns in children <10.