What are scald burns primarily caused by?

Scald burns are primarily caused by contact with hot liquids or steam, making heating liquids the correct response. This type of burn typically occurs when a person is exposed to liquids that have been heated to a temperature high enough to cause damage to the skin. For example, spilling boiling water or being splashed with hot coffee can lead to scald burns.

Other causes listed, such as exposure to flames, radiation, and hot surfaces, are associated with different types of burns. Flame burns occur from direct combustion, radiation burns result from exposure to heat or radiation, and burns from hot surfaces occur when skin comes into contact with extremely hot objects. Each of these types can be severe, but they do not define the specific mechanism of scald burns. Hence, heating liquids is the most accurate cause for scald burns.