title: Accidental scald burns in sinks.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. otitus1@yahoo.com
authors.forename: M Olivia
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Titus
authors.forename: Amy L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Baxter
authors.forename: Suzanne P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Starling
mesh_terms: D000061:Accidents, Home; D002056:Burns / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D013696:Temperature; D014867:Water / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D014867:Water