Why do burns present a greater risk to infants and children?

Burns present a greater risk to infants and children primarily because pediatric patients are at a heightened risk of developing shock from the burn injury. This increased vulnerability is due to several physiological factors.

Infants and children have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio compared to adults; thus, they can lose fluids more quickly through the damaged skin after a burn. This significant fluid loss can lead to dehydration and a cascade of complications, including hypovolemic shock. In addition, children's bodies are less capable of compensating for fluid loss because their ability to maintain blood pressure is still developing, making them more susceptible to the effects of severe burns.

While factors such as skin thickness, pain tolerance, and baseline body temperature do influence how individuals react to burns, the risk of shock is a critical concern in the context of treating pediatric patients. It emphasizes the need for prompt assessment and management of fluid resuscitation in young patients who suffer burn injuries.