A 14-year-old boy from Nghệ An is struggling with severe burn injuries after using folk remedies to treat his alcohol-based burns. The burns, instead of improving, became severely infected, leading to tissue necrosis and endangering his life. This case serves as a warning about the risks of self-treating burn injuries with traditional methods.
Critical Condition of the Child
N.H.A., a 14-year-old boy, was admitted to the Nghệ An Provincial Children’s Hospital in a critical condition. The alcohol burns, categorized as second-degree and third-degree, covered approximately 20% of his body, concentrated on his chest, abdomen, thighs, and arms. The wounds showed tissue necrosis, were dry and black, and oozed pus, along with a whitish membrane and tightly adhered folk remedy residue. The severe infection poses a serious threat to the boy’s life.
A 14-year-old boy suffering from severe tissue necrosis due to treating alcohol burns with folk remedies – 1
Cause: Self-Treatment with Folk Remedies for Burns
According to family accounts, after three days of treatment at the Nghệ An Multi-specialty Hospital, the boy’s family opted to take him home and use folk remedies prescribed by a local healer. However, instead of improving, the wounds worsened, becoming increasingly painful and discharging pus. Self-treating with folk remedies delayed proper medical treatment and led to dangerous complications.
Advice from Medical Experts
Dr. Thái Văn Bình, Head of the Burn Department at the Nghệ An Provincial Children’s Hospital, noted that such cases are on the rise. Since the beginning of 2023, the department has received nearly 70 children with burns, many of whom arrived late due to self-treatment with folk remedies.
Dr. Bình emphasized that burns are serious injuries requiring professional and timely care. Using folk remedies—such as applying oils, toothpaste, egg yolks, snake oil, or herbal poultices—can worsen infections, cause tissue necrosis, and lead to serious complications.
Preventing Burn Complications: Importance of First Aid and Professional Medical Care
Doctors advise that burn victims should receive prompt first aid and be immediately taken to a specialized medical facility for proper care. Avoiding self-treatment with folk remedies is crucial, as these methods can worsen burn injuries and cause infections.
Conclusion
The 14-year-old boy’s case highlights the importance of adhering to standard medical treatments from qualified professionals for burn injuries. Prompt first aid and seeking specialized medical care are vital in minimizing complications and protecting health.
