[Burn injuries in children in Iceland between 1982-1995.]

To increase our knowledge of burn injuries in children in Iceland and to induce education and prevention in order to reduce the incidence of burn injuries among children.

Data was collected from hospital records of all children 15 years and younger admitted with burn injuries to the University Hospital of Iceland, Paediatric Department, from 1982-1995.

There were 290 children admitted, 179 boys and 111 girls, sex ratio 1.6. Children four years and younger were 72.8%. Approximately 21 children were admitted annually. Seasonal variation was noted with most admittances in December. The times when the injuries occurred peaked at lunch and dinner times. Scalds was most common, hot water caused 45.8% of the burn injuries, most frequently due to bathwater (15.2%). Hot liquids caused 26.9%, most often caused by coffee-, tea- and cacao drinks (19.3%). Flames caused 12.4% of the burn injuries, fireworks 5.5% and hot object 5.2%. Most of these accidents occurred at home (81.4%).

Children four years and younger are most susceptible for burn injuries. Hot water and liquids caused most of these burn injuries. Burn injuries are common in childhood. Our data provide basis for better prevention.