Scald Burns are the #1 cause of burns seen at the Grossman Burn Center
WEST HILLS, CA — The first full week in February is Burn Awareness Week and, according to the American Burn Association, is designed to share a common theme for burn awareness and prevention. This year's theme is SCALD burns. Scald burns, or hot liquid burns, are the #1 cause of burns that we see here at the Grossman Burn Center. 44% of all burns are from scalds. High-risk groups include infants, young children, older adults and people with disabilities, with an increased chance of hospitalization and complications due to scald burns. Tap water above 100°F, hot beverages, microwavable soups and grease can cause serious third degree burns in less than one second.
The Grossman Burn Centers recommend the following tips to help prevent scalds from food and beverages.
- Supervise young children in the kitchen, cook on back burners and keep pot handles turned away from the stove edge.
- During mealtime, place hot items in the center of the table.
- Consider using mugs with tight-fitting lids, like those used for travel, for hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
- Set your home water heater thermostats to 120º F.
- Use non-slip placemats instead of tablecloths as the tablecloth can be pulled by toddlers or become tangled in crutches, walkers or wheelchairs, causing hot liquids to spill.
If you or your family member is burned:
- COOL the burn with water. DO NOT apply ice, ointments, butter or greasy substances.
- COVER the burn with a clean dry cloth or gauze to protect area AND leave blisters intact.
- CONTACT a healthcare professional.
About Grossman Burn Centers
Founded in 1969 by Dr. A. Richard Grossman, the Grossman Burn Center is the largest plastic surgery-based burn practice in the western United States. Headquartered in West Hills, CA, with facilities in Santa Ana, CA, Bakersfield, CA, Lafayette, LA, and Phoenix, AZ, the Grossman Burn Center is in the midst of a national expansion and has plans to open additional burn centers throughout the country. The Grossman Burn Center is renowned for its expertise in providing acute and reconstructive burn care, rehabilitation, and post-treatment emotional and psychological support. It has received global recognition for its treatment of some of the most difficult and high profile burn cases in the world. For more information, visit www.grossmanburncenter.com
About West Hills Hospital & Medical Center
West Hills Hospital & Medical Center is a full-service acute care facility located in West Hills, CA, in the Western San Fernando Valley. The 225-bed facility recently completed an $80-million expansion that includes a new Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Outpatient Services Unit, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, and The Grossman Burn Center. HealthGrades (a leading independent health care rating company) announced that West Hills Hospital has received the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence for 2011 & 2012, the Clinical Excellence Award for Critical Care for 2012. West Hills Hospital is also among the Top 100 Hospitals nationwide for Gastrointestinal and General Surgery. West Hills Hospital was the first Accredited Chest Pain Center in Los Angeles County, and also recently received a Certificate of Distinction as a Primary Stroke Center from the Joint Commission. For more information: www.WestHillsHospital.com