Hair Straighteners Cause Hair-raising Experiences

Hair straighteners have put children at risk of serious burns and are causing some hair raising moments for parents, a study has shown. Young ones are three times more likely to be injured in the period following Christmas, the study revealed. Hospitals have witnessed an increase in number of children availing treatment for burns caused by hair straighteners.

Children below two years of age are the ones who are more likely to be injured. Therefore, it is better to use heat resistant pouches to reduce the risk of burns.

Dr Julia Sarginson, who led the research at the burns centre at Bristol’s Frenchay Hospital, said: ‘Hair-straightening devices can cause significant injuries. Our study shows that infants and toddlers are at most risk and these are preventable burns that warrant our attention.’

With the fashion for straight hair, hair straighteners have become popular and easily available. They also do not cost much, so it is easy to own them.

Children below two could consider it a toy because it looks or is shaped like one. Some of them come in pretty colors with attractive doll stickers which can draw children. Parents must keep these devices away from children’s reach.

Dr Amber Young, a consultant pediatric anesthetist at Frenchay Hospital Burns Unit in Bristol said, ‘There has to be a health warning about the use of straighteners - and these products should certainly not be marketed to children.’

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Source-Medindia