What is a Scald?

A scald is a type of burn caused by hot water or other hot liquids. Scald burns are preventable! Young children, older adults, and people with disabilities are most vulnerable to this type of injury. Young children and older adults have thinner skin resulting in deeper burns at lower temperatures than adults.

The severity of the burn depends on the temperature of the liquid and the length of time the skin is exposed to the hot liquid.

Scald injuries result in considerable pain, prolonged treatment, possible lifelong scarring, and even death. Prevention is always preferable to treatment and can be accomplished through simple changes in behavior and your home environment.

Hot tap water can cause serious burns quickly—90% of hot tap water burns happen at home, and 65% occur in the bathroom. Chances are, your hot water temperature is set too high!

Tap Water
Supervision is the single most important factor in preventing hot tap water burns.
• Fill your bathtub to the desired level and turn water off before getting in. Test the water with your fingers before allowing someone to get in.
• Do not leave the bathroom unattended while the tub is filling.
• Mix the water with your hand to get rid of hot spots.
• Never leave a small child in the bathtub with an older child who may be able to run on the hot water tap.
• When bathing young children, seat the child facing away from the faucets and turn the faucet to the “cold” position.
• Install grab bars and non-slip flooring for unsteady or weak individuals.
• Provide a way for older adults and disabled to call for help.
• Avoid flushing toilets, running water, running the dishwasher or clothes washer while anyone is showering.
• Set your water heater no higher than 120o

Food & Beverage
Cooking-related scalds are common in all age groups, but are especially serious for young children and older adults.
• Establish a safe area, out of the traffic path between the stove and the sink, where children can play.
• Cook on back burners when kids are present.
• When removing lids or plastic wrap from hot foods, life the cover or lid away from your face and arms.
• Check all handles on appliances and cooking utensils to guarantee they are secure.
• Consider the weight of pots and pans—move only the items you can easily handle.
• Child walkers do not belong in kitchens!

How Else Can I Reduce the Risk?
• Adjust your home’s hot water heater to 120°
• Install anti-scald devices, anti-scald aerators, and scald guards. These are heat-sensitive devices that stop or interrupt the flow of water when the temperature reaches a pre-determined temperature.

Information on devices people can install:
www.H2OTSTOP.com
www.alzstore.com (search anti-scalding devices)