Beauty is pain: pediatric burns resulting from hair curling and flat irons

Ceramic and metal hair straightening and curling irons are common household items which reach up to 450°F in as little as five seconds. Of particular concern is the threat these devices pose to children. Our objective is to characterize and bring attention to this preventable injury in the pediatric population. Retrospective records from a high-volume level I trauma center and regional burn center from 2011-2015 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were defined as patients <11 years of age, as those presenting with burns above this age were more likely to be utilizing the tools for hair styling. A total of 59 patients were identified with an average age of 2.4 years. The average burn size was 0.30%, with an average 0.24% 2nd degree TBSA. The etiology of the burns included touching a hair iron that was within reach (61%), pulling a hair iron's power cord (15%), stepping/rolling/jumping onto a hair iron left on the ground (17%), and hair irons falling (7%). The majority of households were comprised of unemployed (64%), single (60%) parents. CPS consult was required for 20% of patients. Grafting and excision was necessary for 20% of patients The pediatric population is at risk for accidental burns with household hair irons. These burns typically have a small TBSA, but may require excision and grafting and extended follow-up.