Important Message for Parents and Caregivers This Burns Awareness Month!

Winter is almost here, and while that means we need to focus on keeping our families warm, it also calls for extra awareness.

South Africa (13 May 2026) – May is National Burns Awareness Month in SA. Smile Foundation is asking parents, caregivers, schools and communities to help them spread the word about prevention, because so many of these injuries don’t have to happen at all.

Winter months bring a dramatic spike in burn injuries in children. A paraffin stove left unattended, a cup of tea within reach of small hands or a heater too close to a curtain can lead to an accident, and it usually happens within seconds.

Smile says that Lwandle was just months old when he accidentally pulled his baby bottle from a jug of hot water. Almost instantly he sustained severe burns to his chest, neck and arms. He spent three weeks in ICU at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

It was a long and harrowing journey for Lwandile and his mom, but eventually, hope came in the form of the foundation, who accepted him for specialised burns treatment at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. After six laser treatment sessions, his scarring had finally softened. He got his comfort, confidence and ability to simply be a child back again, too.

Through its specialised burns initiatives, Smile Foundation provides access to advanced laser treatment for burn scarring, reconstructive procedures where needed, and holistic support through their Umatter Programme, that helps children and parents find their footing again. The foundation also runs prevention programmes in schools and communities, because they know that awareness is where it all starts.

Every year, thousands of children across South Africa suffer burn injuries that leave far more than physical scars. The emotional trauma lingers long after the wounds begin to heal.

“Burns do not only affect the skin – they affect confidence, mental health, family dynamics and childhood itself,” says Moira Gerszt of Smile Foundation. “As we move into the winter months, we really want South Africans to become more aware of how quickly these injuries can happen. If we can prevent even one burn injury, that is one child’s life changed forever. We encourage the media and communities to help us spread this message and raise awareness around burns prevention.”

Common Causes of Childhood Burns and How to Prevent Them

In light of spreading awareness, it’s important to know the main causes of burn injuries and how to prevent them from happening.

Many burns occur in the kitchen and around hot liquids. Babies or young children should never be held while handling hot drinks or cooking and hot liquids, and food should always be kept well out of children’s reach. Simple things like turning pot handles inward on the stove are essential, especially when little ones with grabby hands are around. Scolding bathwater is sadly a known cause for burns, too. Always test water temperature before placing a child in a bath.

Children should also be kept away from paraffin stoves and open fires, and flames should never be left unattended. It’s wise to use fireguards and barriers around fireplaces and heaters!

When it comes to electrical safety, remember to cover unused plug points with safety covers and keep electrical cords out of children’s reach. It should also be a priority to check heaters and blankets for frayed wiring before making use of them in winter.

If a Burn Does Happen

Acting quickly and correctly can make a significant difference to the outcome of a burn injury.

• Cool the burn with cool (not cold or iced) running water for at least 10–20 minutes
• Do not apply toothpaste, butter, or any home remedies as these can make things worse
• Cover loosely with a clean, non-fluffy material
• Seek medical attention immediately, especially for burns on the face, hands, feet or genitals, or any burn larger than a 50c coin on a child

Stories like Lwandle’s, and those of the many children treated during Smile Foundation’s Smile Weeks across the country, are a reminder that recovery is possible and awareness is important. Share this article with fellow parents and caregivers in your community and help shed light on prevention this National Burns Awareness Month!

Sources: Smile Foundation.

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