Burns in Early Childhood: Age-Specific Causes, Risks, Management, and Implications—A Narrative Review

Burn injuries represent a significant global burden, with children under the age of five among the most vulnerable groups. This narrative review will explore the main causes of burns in early childhood (under 6 years of age), the associated risks, current treatment approaches, and the long-term implications of these injuries. It will also highlight areas where further research is needed to improve prevention and management strategies for burns in this vulnerable population. Results showed that burns in children under six years old represent a significant clinical and preventive challenge, with physical, psychological, and social implications. Research has identified common causes, particularly scalds from hot liquids, while advancing innovative treatments such as bioengineered skin substitutes, virtual reality, and telemedicine. Preventive interventions at the household and community levels have also proven effective. However, major limitations remain: studies often lack age-specific focus, rely on retrospective data, underrepresent low-resource settings, and lack standardized protocols. To improve outcomes, future research must adopt a more targeted, multidisciplinary approach and address long-term physical and psychological effects to ensure comprehensive, age-appropriate care.