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Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of firework - related burns in children at the National Burn Hospital
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Abstract
Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric patients with firework-related burns at the National Burn Hospital.
Subjects and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 76 patients under 18 who sustained fireworks-related burns and were treated at the Pediatric Burn Department from January 2024 to February 2025. Data on epidemiology, burn characteristics, and treatment outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Results: Most patients were male (98.7%), with the majority aged 6 - 15 years (72.46%) and residing in rural areas (93.4%). The main causes of burns were homemade firework production (53.9%) and firework ignition (28.9%). The most frequently affected areas were the head and face (85.5%) and upper limbs (80.3%). In most cases, the total burn surface area was less than 10% (61.8%), and 19.7% had deep burns. Some cases presented with ocular burns (15.8%), inhalation injuries, and associated trauma. A total of 76.3% of patients were fully treated and discharged. The majority had a hospital stay of 11 - 30 days (57.9%).
Conclusion: Firework-related burns in children remain common and often result in serious functional and aesthetic consequences. Strengthening public education, awareness, and regulatory control over firework production and use is essential to effectively prevent these injuries.
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Keywords
Firework burns, children, epidemiological characteristics
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