Steam vaporizers: A danger for paediatric burns.
BACKGROUND
Steam vaporizers are used to humidify air in dry environments. They are marketed to moisten children's airway secretions and thus to help relieve symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Unfortunately the steam emitted from the unit can also pose a significant risk of burns to children. Our study aimed to ascertain patterns of injury and treatment outcomes from steam burns resulting from these devices. Potential preventative measures are discussed.


METHODS
Children who had sustained vaporizer scald burns were identified at the outpatient burns clinic over a 10-month period (November 2014-August 2015). Medical records were reviewed retrospectively and data collected on pattern of injury, management and outcomes.


RESULTS
Ten children were treated for vaporizer steam burns over the study period. The mean age was 1.6 years and 8 (80%) patients were male. Operative intervention was undergone in 5 (50%) cases; four acutely and one as a secondary reconstructive procedure. Hand burns accounted for 8 (80%) of cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Steam vaporizers can cause significant burns in the paediatric population. Toddlers were most at risk, frequently sustaining hand burns that underwent skin grafting. Greater public awareness of the danger is indicated and measures to prevent such injuries should be addressed by appropriate authorities.
Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: sjlonie88@gmail.com.
Sarah
S
Lonie
Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Paul
P
Baker
Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Rodrigo
R
Teixeira
D001458:Bandages; D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005392:First Aid; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013227:Steam / Q000009:adverse effects*
C117408:Acticoat; D011091:Polyesters; D011095:Polyethylenes; D013227:Steam
Burns; Paediatrics; Prevention; Vaporizers