Abstract
The goal for treating pediatric burns is to allow the patient to heal with as little
scarring as possible. Compared to older children and adults, very small children have
anatomic differences that alter their treatment. They have thinner skin that leads
to a higher risk for full-thickness burns. Children also tend to freeze when touching
a hot item, so that the prolonged contact also leads to deeper burns. Two healing
strategies are needed to treat these wounds. One must optimize reepithelialization
in superficial burns to reduce scarring. Deeper burns require skin grafting, but there
are techniques, such as the use of “sheet” autograft skin that lead to excellent outcomes.
Strategies to treat the massive pediatric burn will also be covered. Finally, there
are instances where different strategies are needed to cover exposed bone or tendon.
The ultimate goal is to return the skin to as normal a state as possible.
Keywords
children - burns - wound healing - scarring - skin grafts
