Which age group has the highest incidence of burns and scalds?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
The most common groups affected by burns and scalds are children aged 1–3 years and adults over 65 years old. Children aged 1–3 are in a critical stage of growth and development, with increasing mobility but insufficient awareness of danger. They are highly curious and lack self-protection instincts. If parents fail to provide timely supervision, these children are prone to scalds from contact with hot water, hot food, or electrical appliances. Burns in this age group are often more severe than those in adults.
Burns and scalds most commonly occur in children aged 1–3 years and adults over 65 years old. If any abnormalities are observed, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Children aged 1–3 are in a critical stage of growth and development. Their mobility is increasing, but their awareness of danger is insufficient. With strong curiosity and limited self-protection abilities, they are prone to burns from hot water, hot food, or electrical appliances if caregivers fail to supervise them closely. In this age group, burn injuries are often more severe than in adults.
Older adults over the age of 65 experience physiological decline, including reduced vision and hearing, and slower reaction times. They are at higher risk of scalds during cooking or while using heating devices due to improper handling or diminished sensation. Additionally, elderly individuals often have chronic health conditions that slow wound healing and increase susceptibility to infections.
Daily preventive measures are essential. Children should always remain within sight, and heat sources should be kept out of their activity areas. For older adults, regular safety checks of the living environment are necessary to ensure electrical appliances are in good working condition and potential hazards are minimized to prevent accidents.
