Danger in the kitchen: pressure cooker burns

Burns resulting from pressure cooker explosions are preventable domestic injuries that occur during routine kitchen use; however, they are underrepresented in the medical literature despite their potential severity. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and demographic characteristics, treatment approaches, and outcomes of patients with pressure cooker-related burns.

In this retrospective study, medical records of patients who presented to a tertiary burn center with pressure cooker-related burns between 2016 and 2024 were reviewed. Collected data included demographic characteristics, burn location and depth, total body surface area (TBSA), time to hospital admission, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes.

A total of 41 patients were included in the study. The vast majority were female (97.6%), with a mean age of 36.2±13.5 years. Most injuries were second-degree burns (92.7%). The most commonly affected anatomical regions were the head and neck (65.9%) and the anterior chest (61%). Escharotomy was performed in 29.3% of patients, and 2.4% required skin grafting. Delayed hospital presentation was significantly associated with an increased need for surgical intervention (p=0.001).

Pressure cooker-related burns predominantly affect women and frequently involve cosmetically and functionally important anatomical regions. Although the total burn surface area is often limited, the depth and location of these injuries may lead to significant complications. These findings highlight the importance of increasing public awareness regarding the safe use of pressure cookers and emphasize the need for prompt medical evaluation to reduce morbidity. Overall, the results underscore the seriousness of domestic burn injuries and the importance of preventive public health measures.