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Introduction
Steam inhalation is a common home remedy for infections of the upper respiratory tract. Between 1 July and 31 December 2002 seven children were admitted to the burns unit of a children's hospital in Dublin with scalds sustained during the course of such treatment.
Cases
We saw seven children over six months who had sustained scalds directly associated with steam inhalation. The children ranged in age from nine months to 10 years. The scalding ranged in extent from 3% to 6% of the total body surface area. Six children sustained burns to the face after direct contact with steam or hot water. Two children had burns caused by the bowl of water spilling on to their chest or lap. Four children will have permanent scarring, although only one required a skin graft. All of the burns were sufficient to cause extensive blistering (partial thickness or second degree). None of the children needed fluid resuscitation or intervention to protect the airway. These children represented 9% of all children admitted with burns or scalds during the six months and accounted for 78 inpatient...