OBJECTIVE: To determine the management of perineal and genital burns in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven children (aged 6 months to 12 years) suffering from genital or perineal burns between 1981 and 1995 were reviewed. Most burns occurred in boys (70%), were due to scalds (85%) and caused superficial second-degree lesions (63%). The initial treatment consisted of topical antimicrobials or grafting with allografts. RESULTS: Spontaneous healing by conservative therapy, not early excision therapy, occurred in 96% of the patients. Contractures occurred in two patients and were treated with multiple Z-plasties and circumcision. CONCLUSION: The management of perineal and genital burns in children should be conservative.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the management of perineal and genital burns in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven children (aged 6 months to 12 years) suffering from genital or perineal burns between 1981 and 1995 were reviewed. Most burns occurred in boys (70%), were due to scalds (85%) and caused superficial second-degree lesions (63%). The initial treatment consisted of topical antimicrobials or grafting with allografts. RESULTS: Spontaneous healing by conservative therapy, not early excision therapy, occurred in 96% of the patients. Contractures occurred in two patients and were treated with multiple Z-plasties and circumcision. CONCLUSION: The management of perineal and genital burns in children should be conservative.