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How do burn injuries affect children differently than adults?

On Behalf of | Oct 7, 2024 | Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can be devastating for anyone, but they affect children and adults differently. Knowing how children’s bodies respond to burns is important. Understanding these differences helps ensure they get the right medical attention for their unique needs.

Children’s skin

Children’s skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin, which allows burns to penetrate more deeply, even with less exposure to heat. This makes second and third-degree burns more common in children than adults, even with the same type of burn exposure. Since their skin is still developing, children face a higher risk of severe scarring. The healing process takes longer, often requiring extended hospital stays and more intensive medical intervention.

Greater risk of complications

Children face a greater risk of complications from burn injuries, such as infections and dehydration. Their smaller bodies lose fluids and electrolytes faster, making it harder to maintain hydration after a burn. Because their immune systems are still developing, they face a higher risk of infections. Untreated or poorly managed complications can lead to life-threatening conditions. This may require intensive medical interventions and prolonged hospital stays. 

Emotional and developmental impact

Burn injuries can leave a profound psychological imprint on children. The trauma from severe burns can trigger long-term mental health challenges, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many young children struggle with nightmares and heightened anxiety after the incident. 

As they adjust to changes in their appearance or physical abilities, children might struggle in social situations. This can lead to feelings of isolation or self-consciousness. These emotional burdens often disrupt their development, resulting in missed school, withdrawal from activities, or challenges forming friendships.

The full impact

Damage from fire-related injuries can have lasting physical and emotional impacts on children, requiring careful attention and specialized treatment. By understanding how children respond to burns, we can ensure they receive the proper care and support needed to heal and move forward with confidence.

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