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Contact palm burns in toddlers from glass enclosed fireplaces

C M Dunst1, E C Scott, J J Kraatz

  • 1Department of Surgery, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|January 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Gas fireplace burns in children are rising alarmingly. These pediatric palm burns often require intensive therapy or surgery, highlighting an avoidable home safety risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric burn injuries
  • Home safety
  • Consumer product safety

Background:

  • Gas fireplaces are increasingly popular in homes.
  • This popularity has led to a rise in pediatric burn incidents.
  • Children under 5 are particularly vulnerable to these injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and characteristics of pediatric palm burns associated with gas fireplaces.
  • To identify risk factors and outcomes of these injuries.
  • To raise awareness about this preventable home hazard.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for patients under 5 years old.
  • Data collected from 1996 to 2002.
  • Analysis of burn incidence, severity, treatment, and complications.

Main Results:

  • A 15-fold increase in the incidence of pediatric palm burns from gas fireplaces was observed.
  • Thirty-nine patients were identified, with a mean age of 12.8 months.
  • While most burns were superficial, 21% of children experienced complications requiring intensive therapy or surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric palm burns from gas fireplace glass enclosures represent a significant and avoidable danger.
  • Most injuries require conservative treatment, but a notable percentage necessitate advanced interventions for functional recovery.
  • Enhanced home safety measures and parental awareness are crucial to prevent these injuries.

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