Burn Injuries

Burns, most commonly caused by fire, can also result from chemicals, electricity and other heat accidents, such as scalding hot water or steam. More than 300,00 persons die each year worldwide because of fire-related burn injuries. Many more are seriously injured, disabled, or disfigured because of all types of burns. Risk factors for burns include cooking with an open flame, open cooking facilities on the ground floor of a building or residence, wearing loose clothing while cooking, smoking, alcohol use, water heaters that are set too hot, poor electrical safety, and unsupervised children. Occupational injuries involving burns can also occur, especially at job sites with open flames, chemicals, or superheated materials. Here, Torpy discusses the types of burns and how to treat and prevent burns.