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Burn Injury-Induced Pain and Depression-Like Behavior in Mice
Published on: September 29, 2021
Face burns caused by flambé drinks
Young Chul Jang1, Young Joon Kim, Jong Wook Lee
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hallym Burn Center, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Summary
Flambé drink burns in Korean adults, primarily affecting the face and head, highlight the need for public awareness and safety policies to prevent these alcohol-related injuries. These incidents often occur during social events and can lead to temporary corneal and ear burns.
Area of Science:
- Burn epidemiology
- Public health
- Injury prevention
Background:
- Flambé drinks, a common practice in social settings, pose a significant risk for burn injuries.
- Previous studies on the epidemiology of flambé drink-related burns are limited, particularly in the Korean adult population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the epidemiology of face burns caused by flambé drinks in Korean adults.
- To provide data for developing effective preventive programs for these specific burn injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records of 25 patients admitted to a burn center over 30 months (July 2002-December 2004).
- Analysis of patient demographics, injury circumstances, burn severity, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- The majority of injuries (68%) occurred while drinking and spilling flaming whisky during social gatherings.
- Young adults (mean age 27.5 years), predominantly male (21:4 ratio), sustained superficial to mid-second-degree burns, mainly on the head and face.
- Hospital stays averaged 12.1 days with excellent cosmetic outcomes, though some experienced mild corneal and ear burns without permanent damage.
Conclusions:
- Burn injuries from flambé drinks are preventable through increased public awareness and safety policies involving the public, distillers, and hospitality industry.
- Targeted prevention strategies are crucial to reduce the incidence of facial and corneal burns associated with flambé drinks.
- While cosmetic outcomes are generally good, psychological impacts like PTSD and depression warrant consideration in patient care.
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