Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn Burn Center promotes scald prevention tips during National Burn Awareness Week
PITTSBURGH – Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn Burn Center is stressing the importance of scald prevention as the American Burn Association (ABA) kicked off its National Burn Awareness Week on Sunday, Feb. 5. In 2022, the West Penn Burn Center saw burn-related injuries increase by 15 percent, with scalds being the top reason for pediatric admissions.
The ABA designates the first week of February each year to mobilize organizations across the country to increase awareness of the frequency and causes of burn injuries in America. This week highlights the common risk of injury from hot liquids, steam, and hot bath water.
“People often associate burns with fire specifically, but hot liquids can burn the skin just as badly, causing injuries that can be as traumatic and severe as those caused by fires,” said Ariel M. Aballay, MD, director of the West Penn Burn Center. “As more people are home this winter and trying to find ways to stay warm in the cold weather, we encourage everyone be extracareful with hot liquids, steam, and bath water.”
Every year, the clinical team at AHN West Penn Burn Center treats over 700 patients with burn injuries.
According to the ABA, scald injuries can be prevented by:
• Running your hand through bath water to ensure there are no hot spots that could cause injury.
• Never hold a child while drinking hot liquids, carrying hot foods, or cooking.
• Establish a “kidfree zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
• Microwaved food can be hot enough to cause a burn. Always open lids away from your body.
• When taking food out of the oven, always wear oven mitts to prevent scald injury.
• Use a tight-fitting lid on travel mugs to prevent a burn if the cup tips over. The proportion of burn center admissions due to scalds continues to increase each year, with scalds comprising 32 percent of all admissions to U.S. burn centers.
“At West Penn, we’re committed to providing a full spectrum of advanced care and support for patients with burn injuries and their families,” added Dr. Aballay. “Our Burn Center also provides free burn prevention and safety programs to local schools within the AHN service region and to former patients, as no cost.”
The West Penn Burn Center was established in 1969 and is a national leader in innovative burn care. The program has received the honorable verification seal acknowledging excellence in burn management from the ABA and the American College of Surgeons. For more information on the Center or to learn more about its community-based programs, visit ahn.org or call 412-578-5295.