Burn Injury Related to the Improper Use of a Microwave Oven

Abstract

Microwave ovens are found in nearly one quarter of all households and are a potential source of accidents (Business Week, March 8, 1982, p 28). They pose a threat to individuals with pacemakers and misuse can cause burns and lacerations secondary to exploding containers. We wish to report a microwave-related burn injury to emphasize the danger that improper use of this appliance poses for children.

CASE REPORT

A 1-week-old male infant was admitted to our hospital with second degree scald burns over 6% of his body surface area. According to his mother, the burns resulted from overheated formula burning the child. The formula was poured into a commercial nurser, which consisted of a disposable plastic liner with a rubber nipple tightly stretched over the bottle top.