Risk factors for an accidental skin burn:
(1) summer with a high degree of sunlight and high ambient temperatures
(2) contact with a surface capable of absorbing heat (black asphalt, rubberized surface, metal, sidewalk)
(3) lack of shoes or skin coverings
(4) young child lacking adult supervision
(5) lack of awareness about the danger
Additional risk factors would be:
(6) inability to escape quickly from the heated surface (so that the person is forced to stay in contact with the surface)
(7) thin, delicate skin without calluses
Features of the typical foot burn associated with accidental contact with a natural surface:
(1) bilateral
(2) first and/or second degree thermal injury
(3) involve the plantar surfaces of the feet
(4) may involve other surfaces (knees if crawling, hands if fall down)
Differential diagnosis:
(1) child abuse
(2) friction or other burns
