Burns and scalds

Burns are caused by thermal energy arising from flames, hot liquids, and hot surfaces. Burn injuries are a major public health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries, where the risk is greatest and access to specialist care limited. Risk factors include intrinsic factors in the individual (age, sex, behavior) and extrinsic environmental factors (both physical and social). Development and implementation of effective preventive and treatment strategies have resulted in declines in deaths and hospitalizations for burn injuries in many high-income countries. Further research and development of prevention strategies to specifically address risk factors in low- and middle-income countries are needed.