Burns in Early Childhood: Age-Specific Causes, Risks, Management, and Implications—A Narrative Review

TL;DR

Burns in young children are a major global health issue, with common causes like hot liquids and a need for better prevention and treatment strategies.

Contribution

This review identifies age-specific causes and management gaps in burns among children under six and emphasizes the need for targeted research.

Findings

Scalds from hot liquids are the most common cause of burns in children under six.

Innovative treatments like bioengineered skin substitutes and telemedicine show promise in burn management.

Preventive measures at household and community levels can reduce burn incidence in young children.

Abstract

Burn injuries represent a significant global burden, with children under the age of five among the most vulnerable groups. This narrative review will explore the main causes of burns in early childhood (under 6 years of age), the associated risks, current treatment approaches, and the long-term implications of these injuries. It will also highlight areas where further research is needed to improve prevention and management strategies for burns in this vulnerable population. Results showed that burns in children under six years old represent a significant clinical and preventive challenge, with physical, psychological, and social implications. Research has identified common causes, particularly scalds from hot liquids, while advancing innovative treatments such as bioengineered skin substitutes, virtual reality, and telemedicine. Preventive interventions at the household and community levels have also proven effective. However, major limitations remain: studies often lack age-specific focus, rely on retrospective data, underrepresent low-resource settings, and lack standardized protocols. To improve outcomes, future research must adopt a more targeted, multidisciplinary approach and address long-term physical and psychological effects to ensure comprehensive, age-appropriate care.