Psychological aspects of paediatric burns (a clinical review).

Burn injuries in childhood can be traumatic with lasting effects until adulthood. This article reviews the various psychological issues one confronts when treating paediatric patients with burn injuries. A wide range of factors influence recovery and rehabilitation from paediatric burns. The role of family members, family dynamics, parental reactions, parental psychiatric illness, and pre-morbid psychiatric illness in the child are important factors. The entire family and the burned child have to show good coping skills if recovery from paediatric burn injuries is to be possible. It is very important that paediatric burn units realize the need for a child psychiatrist and psychotherapist in their rehabilitation team. Good psychotherapy along with burns-related treatment will go a long way to enhance the quality of life of these patients.