In 2024, doctors at the burns ward of Victoria Hospital reported a decline in total burn cases but highlighted a concerning rise in impulsive behavior-related injuries among children and accidents involving the elderly. The increase in cases is attributed to factors like inadequate care from young parents, mental health struggles among seniors, and accidents during puja rituals.
Of the 980 burn patients admitted last year, 485 were men, 221 were women, and 274 were children. This is down from 1,090 admissions in 2023, where 338 were children. Dr. Yogishwarappa CN, head of the plastic surgery and burns department, pointed to a 40% increase in pediatric burn cases, particularly in smaller families living in cramped spaces where kitchens and sleeping areas are often combined. This setup has led to incidents like toddlers spilling hot liquids. Another growing concern is impulsive behavior in children, with cases of self-inflicted injuries, such as a nine-year-old girl admitted for burns after acting out in anger.
While men made up the majority of burn admissions, women experienced a higher fatality rate. Of the 485 men admitted, 99 (20%) died, compared to 65 (30%) out of 221 women. Doctors attributed this to severe burns from accidents or suicide attempts, with injuries covering up to 35% of the body. However, suicides via burns decreased by 40% due to limited access to kerosene and subsidized gas. Early interventions like skin grafts have improved survival rates.
There was also a 20% rise in burn incidents involving elderly individuals, particularly women over 50, with severe burns resulting from clothing catching fire. Dr. Yogishwarappa noted that reduced mobility in the elderly exacerbated the severity of these accidents.
Mental health issues have also been a factor, with some incidents initially thought to be accidents later revealed to stem from extreme stress or family neglect. A case in point involved a 55-year-old woman who attempted suicide by pouring hot water on herself, citing mental strain as the cause.
Additionally, cosmetic correction surgeries, particularly among young women aged 16-20, increased by 40%, with many seeking to address scarring before marriage.