Starchy liquid burns do not have worse outcomes in children relative to hot beverage scalds.

AIM: To characterise children presenting with hot beverage scalds versus scalds caused by starchy water.

METHODS: Retrospective survey of prospectively collected database of all children presenting over a two-year period.

RESULTS: There were 138 starch scalds and 262 hot beverage injuries. Children with hot beverage injuries were significantly younger (18.2 months; IQR 14.1, 27.8) than those suffering starch scald injuries (51.4 months; 18.7, 102.3; p<0.001). Perineal burns were more common in the starch group than the hot beverage scald group (10.9% vs. 2.4%, p<0.001). Chest/breast and abdominal burns were more common in the hot beverage group than the starch group (60.7% vs. 36.9%, p<0.001). Children under three years of age in both groups are significantly less likely to receive adequate first aid at the scene (p<0.001). There are no differences in the need for skin grafting or scar management when comparing hot beverage scalds and scalds caused by starchy liquids.

CONCLUSIONS: Scald injuries caused by starchy liquids do not appear to cause a more severe injury than hot beverage scalds. There is a different pattern of injury from starchy liquids in older children. Children under three years old are less likely to receive appropriate first aid at the scene.