Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increase in burn injuries in the pediatric population, Consultant Plastic Surgeon of the Galle Karapitiya Teaching Hospital Dr. Satish Wijemanna said.
Speaking at a media conference held yesterday at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Wijemanna said that injuries include scald, flame, and contact burns. He stressed that most thermal injuries in children occur in the home setting and are preventable. Everyday activities and objects in and around the home frequently associated with burn injuries include hot water for steaming, bathing, hot drinks or foods or hot surfaces in the kitchen. Saying that they have also noticed deeper and larger burn injuries since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Wijemanna emphasized the importance of making the home environment safe for children as families continue to spend more time there.
He further stressed the importance of the first-aid for burns in order to reduce pain, swelling and the risk of scarring. According to him, it is required to immediately cool the injured area for a minimum of 20 minutes using cool running water from a tap or shower.
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