Buschel, Helen, and Carroll, Daniel (2023) Paediatric Burns. In: Carroll, Daniel, Stalewski, Harry, and Rathnamma, Bhanu Mariyappa, (eds.) Paediatric Surgery: Clinical Practice in Remote and Rural Settings, and in Tropical Regions. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, USA, pp. 113-125.

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Abstract

Burns in children are common with nearly 10, 000 cases managed by burn units across Australia and New Zealand each year. About two-thirds of paediatric burns occur in children less than 5 years of age. As healthy organic tissue is exposed to thermal injury, tissue damage occurs. Large burns require emergent primary and secondary surveys with simultaneous assessment and resuscitation. Although estimation of total body surface area (TBSA) is useful in determining the need for transfer and higher-level support for patients, it is frequently over-or under-estimated. Deep dermal burns may have some blistering and appear ‘blotchy red’ in colour secondary to extravasation of haemoglobin from red cell damage. Superficial burns can typically be managed with regular moisturiser, medicinal honey or Solugel alone. Repeated experimental models have demonstrated the importance of the microenvironment in wound healing. Burns in children can have a significant impact on the child and family both physically and psychosocially and in the long and short term.

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