Thermal injuries on children: Core info leaflet

How to identify scalds and burns that may be the result of abuse

This leaflet summarises what is currently known about about scalds and burns sustained by children. It covers the identifying features of both accidental and intentional thermal injuries, the conditions that mimic intentional burns and the factors to consider when undertaking an assessment.

We've produced this leaflet to assist all professionals who work with children. The information will be of particular interest to dentists, dental care professionals, paediatricians, and Accident and Emergency (A&E) staff. It will also be relevant to nursery nurses, health visitors, school nurses, teachers, legal practitioners, social workers and the police.

Authors: NSPCC and Cardiff University
Published: 2012

Core info: thermal injuries on children
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Core info: thermal injuries on children (Welsh)
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Core info series

The Core info leaflet series is based on a collaborative project by the NSPCC, Cardiff University and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

The RCPCH are engaged in a rolling programme of systematic reviews of published research literature, originally developed by Cardiff University, on aspects of physical child abuse and neglect.

The full systematic review findings including research questions and methodologies as well as information about all of the reviews and annual updates being under taken can be found in the Child Protection Evidence resource on the RCPCH website.

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