Severe burns from self-experiment with burning alcohol at home

The National Children's Hospital (Hanoi) recently admitted a 12-year-old patient with alcohol burns on the thigh, lower leg and right hand. At the Emergency and Poison Control Department - National Children's Hospital, doctors diagnosed the patient with 2-3 degree burns caused by alcohol.

The burn area was about 19% of the body surface area. The family said that while performing an alcohol burning experiment at home, the child caught fire and suffered severe burns.

Master - Specialist Doctor 2 Phung Cong Sang, Deputy Head of Orthopedics Department - National Children's Hospital, informed: Burns caused by burning alcohol are one of the common causes of thermal burns in daily life, especially in children who like to explore and experiment with flammable substances. To prevent alcohol burns, families need to store alcohol and flammable substances in a safe place, out of reach of children; follow the instructions when using alcohol, do not try to burn alcohol in a closed space or in a place with many flammable objects...

If an alcohol burn occurs, parents need to immediately stop contact with the alcohol source and move the child away from the fire to avoid re-burning. If clothing is on fire, extinguish the fire by covering the burned area with a wet towel or cloth. Do not use flammable materials such as nylon to extinguish the fire; remove clothing and accessories around the burned area, such as rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Cool the burned area by pouring or leaving the wound under cool, clean water for 10-30 minutes (pay attention to keeping the unburned area warm and avoiding hypothermia in children).

Never use ice or apply ice directly as this can make the injury worse. Cover the burn lightly with a clean gauze or sterile towel, avoiding tight bandages. Do not apply medication to the burn without a doctor's instructions. After first aid, take the child to the nearest medical facility for timely examination and treatment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bi-bong-nang-do-tu-thi-nghiem-dot-con-tai-nha-185251111194137452.htm