With winter on our doorstep and temperatures dropping, households across the country begin turning to heaters, hot water bottles, open fires and gas appliances to stay warm.

While these provide comfort, they also significantly increase the risk of burn injuries – a concern highlighted by Randfontein’s Dr Wei-Han Chen.

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Dr Chen notes that the most common burn injuries he treats are scald burns. These are typically caused by hot liquids such as water, tea, coffee, soup or oil.

“In adults, these burns often happen during meal preparation. In children, they usually occur when a child pulls on a kettle cord, grabs a pot handle, or reaches for a cup of hot tea,” he explains.

Although burns occur throughout the year, winter brings added risks.

We see an increase in burns related to keeping warm – heaters, hot water bottles, open flames, and paraffin or gas appliances all contribute,” says Dr Chen.

Understanding burn severity

Burns are not all the same, and proper classification plays a critical role in determining treatment. Doctors assess burns based on their cause, size and depth.

The role of plastic surgeons

“In serious cases, surgery may be required to remove dead tissue and reconstruct the wound,” he says.

“But treatment goes beyond surgery – burn injuries can be deeply traumatic and often require rehabilitation, nutritional support and psychological care.”

As burns heal, scarring can become a major concern. These scars may not only affect appearance but also function, especially when they form over joints and restrict movement. Plastic surgeons are often involved in long-term care to help patients regain mobility and confidence.

Why burn awareness matters

Vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly and those living in high-risk environments are especially at risk during winter.

The key message is simple: Prevention is better than treatment. By being mindful of potential hazards in the home and knowing how to respond immediately after a burn, individuals can significantly reduce the severity of injuries or avoid them altogether.

Early, correct treatment makes a major difference. But the best outcome is always to prevent the burn in the first place,” Dr Chen concludes.