Child abuse by scalding.

Physical abuse of children by burning is a serious crime that leaves the youngest of our children with permanent physical and emotional scars. The victims tends to be less than 2 years of age. Burn-abused children usually suffer from a spectrum of physical, psychologic, and nutritional neglect. Burn abuse is costly in terms of pain, suffering and health care. Up to 15% of acutely injured children seen in emergency departments, admitted or not, have been abused. Burns were involved in up to 22% of physical abuse cases. Up to 26% of pediatric burn admissions were the result of abuse. The most common form of burn abuse in children requiring hospitalization is the scald. Physicians who treat children and burn patients should have a knowledge of the literature and clinical factors associated with pediatric burn abuse.