Burn Injury Resource Center

Intentional burns are less frequent than accidental burns but can happen. They are either burns that are caused by the person to him/herself or burns caused by one person to another one. Children and elderly are susceptible to abuse by burns. In children scald and contact burn injuries are the most common type of intentional burn injury. These injuries have a higher death rate than accidental burns and require a longer stay period in the hospital. Elderly cases are reported with much less frequency than children due to embarrassment or fearing that the person who is causing the injury will repeat it again. Things that raise a suspicion of abuse are:

• The story given doesn't go along with the injury that happened.
• Giving different explanations about how the accident happened.
• There are multiple injuries and this is not the first one.
• The shape and location of the injury may give an indication that it's an induced injury.

For elderly people suspected to have an induced burn injury, they should be reported. For children with suspected abuse, a call should be made to report it to the police, child protective services, and /or a doctor. If you are the one who is exposed to the injury you should look for help. If you are taking care of a child and you can't control your anger seek help. If a person you know is the one who is exposed to the insult than try to seek help for him/her.

If a person is causing burns to his/herself, a psychological evaluation and treatment may be needed.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.