Burns are the second leading cause of death resulting from childhood injuries. It is estimated that there  are approximately 3,000 pediatric deaths annually due to burns and probably three times as many disabling injuries. Burns not only affect the body physically but also the lifelong emotional well-being of individuals who must deal with any disfigurement that occur from a burn.

Fortunately, many burns are preventable. Hot water is the most frequent burning agent. A burn at 158�F takes only one second to produce a full-thickness burn. Many burns occurring in older children are the result of playing with matches or lighters, careless use of lighter fluids, charcoal lighters, fireworks, or gasoline can result in a significant burn injury.

Burn Reconstruction

Only about 1/6 of the treatment is over when burned children leave the acute burn unit. At Shriners Hospitals for Children � Los Angeles, we treat children for burns after the skin has had a chance to heal. Our goal is a normal life for each burned child.

Our physicians emphasize a comprehensive plan of rehabilitation and reconstruction for:
    � Rapid return of normal function
    � Reduction or elimination of scarring following the patient�s priorities
    � Resumption of normal family, school, and community activities

Early treatment is aimed at:
    � Control of scar formation
    � Prevention of contractures
    � Relief of pain and itching
    � Restoration of the child�s and family�s sense of well-being

And consists of:
    � Exercise 
    � Topical silicone
    � Splints 
    � Medication
    � Pressure garments 
    � Psychological support

Late treatment is aimed at:
    � Prevention and, when necessary, surgical release of contractures
    � Reconstruction of missing features
    � Minimization of remaining scars
    � Healthy psychological development

And consists of:
    � Surgery: tissue expansion, scar excision, skin ?aps, skin grafts, dermabrasion, or steroid injections�with careful postoperative follow up
    � Rehabilitation: the early treatment measures as well as prosthetics and therapeutic cosmetics

Our interdisciplinary team of surgeons, pediatricians, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, therapists, dietitians, and pharmacists carefully balance all of our interventions with each child�s needs. We allow the child to have a say in what happens and have time off from surgeries and therapy just to be a �kid�.

Our goal is to help children reach their maximum potential. If you would like to receive an application for admission to Shriners Hospitals for Children � Los Angeles, please call us toll-free at (888) 486-5437.