Too hot to trot (barefoot)… A study of burns in children caused by sun heated surfaces in Queensland, Australia

• Burns from sun heated surfaces in children are relatively common in Queensland.
• Hot metal is the most common cause, including hot metal objects left in children's gardens.
• The mean age of affected children is 18.3 months and the foot is most commonly involved.

The aim of this study was to quantify and describe the characteristics of burns in children caused by sun heated surfaces.Children presenting between January 2013 and February 2014 with a burn due to sun heated surfaces were included in the study. Fifteen children were identified representing 1.7% of new burns. The mean age was 18.3 months. All burns occurred during the warmer months between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and the feet were commonly involved. Most cases occurred in the child's home garden but six cases occurred in public play areas. Metal was the most common surface involved. Most burns were superficial partial thickness with two burns deep dermal partial thickness and one child needed a skin graft.Burns due to sun heated surfaces are relatively frequent. Parents need to be aware that in summer surfaces can become hot enough to cause burns to bare feet in young children. Play areas need to be shaded or covered in surfaces that do not become hot enough to cause burns and metal objects should not be left in the sun in children's play areas.