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Scald Burns From Hair Braiding
Jonathan P Meizoso1, Stephen R Ramaley, Juliet J Ray
1From the *Divisions of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, and Burns, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Florida; and †Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, New York.
Summary
Scald burns from hair braiding are a significant injury, particularly in children. This study highlights the need for community education to prevent these avoidable burns.
Area of Science:
- Burn research
- Pediatric injury prevention
- Dermatology
Background:
- Scald burns from hair braiding are infrequently reported.
- Previous literature consists of only one case report in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the largest cohort to date of scald burns attributed to hair braiding.
- To characterize injury patterns, severity, and complications in pediatric and adult patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 1609 female patients at a single burn center (2008-2014).
- Identification of patients with scald burns secondary to hair braiding.
- Analysis of demographics, injury severity (TBSA), injury patterns, and complications.
Main Results:
- Twenty-six patients (1.6%) experienced scald burns from hair braiding, with a median Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) of 3%.
- Eighty-five percent of affected patients were pediatric, with a median age of 8 years.
- Common injury sites included the back (62%) and shoulders (31%); complications included functional limitations, scarring, infection, and anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Hair braiding is a peculiar mechanism of injury causing significant morbidity in children and adults.
- Preventable scald burns from hair braiding necessitate community outreach and education.
- This injury mechanism increases healthcare resource utilization through admissions and clinic visits.