Comparative Evaluation of Immersion and Spillover Scald Burns in Pediatric Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Burns are among the most serious injuries worldwide, ranking fifth in terms of non-fatal injuries in children. Scald injuries represent a significant global burden, especially in children. Scalds result from exposure to boiling liquids or steam and cause varying degrees of skin injury depending on the temperature and duration of contact. They typically occur either through immersion or spillover incidents. The study aimed to compare immersion and spillover burns in children to improve prevention strategies, treatment approaches, and overall outcomes for young burn victims. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Burn Care Center of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad by reviewing data on scald cases admitted during 2022-2023 with a study duration of 12 months. Data from 266 scald cases were analyzed, including 148 male and 118 female patients. Of these cases, 156 were spillover burns and 110 were immersion burns. Spillover burns (24.1%) affected a slightly smaller area of the body compared to immersion burns (26.5%) which was statistically significant (p=0.004). Number of fasciotomies and mortality rate was higher in immersion burns (28.1% and 68.4% respectively) than spillover burns (2.56% and 31.5%). Overall, spillover burns were more common, but immersion burns were more severe and fatal. Scald burns in children, though preventable, remain a major concern. Immersions, despite being less common, result in higher mortality and severe outcomes. Effective prevention strategies, including improved parental supervision and widespread public awareness through social media and communication channels, are essential to reduce the incidence and severity of scald burns.