Thermal injury can be caused by flames, contact to hot surface, steam, hot liquids or electricity. Most burns to children happen in the kitchen or at table.

Thermal wounds of 1st and superficial 2nd degree are healing totally within two weeks without sequelae.
Deep 2nd and 3rd degree wounds seem to heal after more than two weeks, but few weeks later hypertrophy of the scar begins and can progress to severe deformity and malfunction by joint contractures. This development is so common, especially in children, that the scars are accepted by some physicians as the natural course of thermal injuries.

But these events must not be: Skin grafting may be necessary. Hereafter early and consequent therapy with custom-made anti-burnscar elastic supports for at least 18 months will prevent hypertrophy and contractures. We order the first garments already while the patient is still in hospital and we teach children and parents how to handle the supports.

Information and advice: