Parents warned of the dangers of hair straighteners

Doctors are warning parents of the dangers of hair straighteners as burn incidents in children double.

 

Dr. Julia Sarginson, who led the research at the burns centre in Bristol Frenchay Hospital, says: “Hair-straightening devices can cause significant, 'full-thickness' injuries. Our study shows that infants and toddlers are at most risk, and these are preventable burns that warrant our attention.”

 

According to the Electrical Safety Council, straighteners may not be shaped like toys but “the brightly coloured enclosure might still be considered appealing as a plaything by young children.”

 

The council is warning parents to keep the hot tongs out of the reach of children as the plates can reach up to 220°C and burns can occur up to 15 minutes after it has been turned off.

 

Christmas is the peak time for accidents and experts say parents need to be better informed about handling the device. Worryingly, kids are up to three times more likely to be injured in the weeks after the festive season, with most of those injured aged under two. 

 

To lower the risk of preventable injuries, experts recommend that straighteners be put back in their heat-proof pouches after use.