Bathroom Safety Alert: Common Item Causes Burns in Thousands of Children Annually, Research Reveals

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Oct 23, 10:50 am

Photo: (Photo : Jamie Street on Unsplash)

In the vast world of beauty and grooming, electric hair-styling tools like curling irons have carved a niche for themselves. They are often seen as the magic wands that can transform one's hair from bland to glamorous in mere minutes. But, as a recent study points out, there is a darker side to these everyday grooming tools: they have caused tens of thousands of burns among the young population over a span of a decade.

Rapid Heating Dangers of Curling Irons

The research, which is set to be showcased at the renowned AAP National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, DC, offers a comprehensive look into the aftermath of accidents caused by hair-styling tools.

Specifically focusing on the age group of 24 and under from 2013 to 2022, the study paints a worrisome picture: 30,839 recorded burn injuries. Even more concerning is the finding that hair curlers and curling irons were responsible for a massive 97.4% of these injuries.

Dr. Brandon L. Rozanski, a respected pediatric resident at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii and the lead author of this pivotal study, emphasized the dual nature of these tools. While acknowledging their importance in daily routines, he cautioned, "Hair styling tools are a timeless piece of our everyday lives, crafting the ideal aesthetic image many desire. Yet, their potential to bring about a disastrous accident, especially when misused or mishandled, is alarmingly high."

One of the critical points raised by Dr. Rozanski is the speed with which these devices heat up. Reaching a blazing 450ºF within a few minutes, these tools can turn into potential burn hazards. This high temperature, combined with casual or careless handling, can result in severe injuries not just for the user but also for unsuspecting bystanders, especially curious children.

Role of Medical Practitioners in Prevention

Speaking of children, the study's findings about the age group most at risk are particularly troubling. Children under 10 years old emerged as the most vulnerable demographic, accounting for a heartbreaking 68% of the total injuries. Gender-wise, females made up 65.1% of the injury statistics. And when examining the location of these incidents, homes turned out to be the primary battlegrounds, with 72.3% of the burns occurring in these supposedly safe havens. On a slightly positive note, 98.6% of the victims, fortunately, did not require extended hospital stays.

Expanding on preventive measures, Dr. Rozanski pointed out the influential role of medical practitioners. "Our clinicians, given their direct interaction with families, are in a privileged position to offer guidance. They can raise awareness about the perils associated with the daily use of electric hair styling tools. Emphasizing age-appropriate use and the indispensable role of parental supervision is paramount," he added.

In conclusion, while electric hair-styling tools have undeniably revolutionized the way many individuals style their hair, it's imperative to approach them with respect and caution. Awareness, education, and constant vigilance can ensure that these tools remain beauty enhancers, not hazards. With this study, the community receives a clear reminder: safety should always precede beauty.