Oro-maxillofacial skeletal deformities resulting from burn scar contractures of the face and neck

The deforming forces of the scar contracture associated with burns of the head and neck region involve primarily the skin and secondarily the facial musculoskeletal structures. A case of severe face and neck burn accompanied by extreme facial skeletal deformity is reported. Best results are obtained in patients treated properly and promptly by a team including plastic and maxillofacial surgeons as well as orthodontists.

Anal stenosis with megarectum: an unusual complication of a perineal burn

A case of a 3-year-old boy with anal stricture and megarectum is described. Overflow incontinence and soiling were corrected by local flaps and skin graft and were maintained by frequent dilatations after downward traction of the whole anus was performed. The options of immediate and late treatment of such burns and the colostomy procedure are discussed.

Full skin thickness burns caused by contact with the pavement in a heat-stroke victim

A 70-year-old woman, with a previous history of heat-stroke, suffered another heat-stroke on a hot summer day (air temperature 43 degrees C (109 degrees F)). She presented the rare complication of a heat-stroke plus deep burns sustained while lying unconscious on the pavement. In addition to age, obesity, previous illness, incidental fever, drugs, dehydration and physical effort, a previous history of heat-stroke is probably an important risk factor for a second heat-stroke. Burns from contact with the pavement are uncommon but possible, especially if the patient is obese, immobile and poorly insulated.

Solitary basal cell carcinoma in a child

Basal cell carcinoma in children is rare. Its occurrence has been described in association with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, preexisting organoid nevus, and xeroderma pigmentosum. We present a case of solitary basal cell carcinoma in a 13-year-old boy with nonactive damaged skin or a genetically transmitted syndrome. The contribution of this case is to alert the physician to the possibility of basal cell carcinoma in children so that appropriate treatment may be initiated immediately and any delay avoided.

Maqua (therapeutic burn) as an indicator of underlying disease

The origin and nature of the maqua (the Arabic therapeutic burn) is presented together with our clinical experience of patients previously treated by this traditional method. Maquas are small deep burns inflicted in areas either in proximity to a diseased organ or in points related traditionally to the original basic problem. These relationships may be rooted in historical ties between old Arab medicine and traditional Oriental, antique Egyptian, and Greco-Roman medicines. Maquas alone only rarely present a threat to the patient, but in many cases they may serve as an indicator of the original underlying disease. This and other folklore treatment modalities, together with the healers themselves, should be acknowledged by us, as markers for health problems or maybe for potential healing methods and doctor-patient relationships.

Burn hazard from cupping--an ancient universal medication still in practice

The ancient universal medication of cupping is still practised by devoted believers and people who, for various reasons, have lost faith in other more modern modalities of medical treatment. Faulty technique in producing the vacuum in the cups was the aetiology of the burns in several patients. The history, theories and indications for cupping are reviewed.

'The fire coral' (Millepora dichotoma) as a cause of burns: a case report

A case of a full skin thickness burn after contact with a Hydrozoa, Millepora dichotoma, is described. The poison secreted by specialized cells on the spines of this marine animal is a strong local irritant. Deep burns due to this agent do not appear to have been described before.

Deformities following reconstructive plastic surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery provides a surgical solution for congenital and acquired abnormalities. Donor site distortions may occur and recipient sites will be adversely affected as a result of contraction in the wound healing process. Some of the operations illustrated here had inadequate indications. The surgical approach was wrong and its performance poor, in that the possibility of undesired results was not fully anticipated. This article presents eight cases in which healing deformities resulted and illustrates some of the procedures used to correct them.

New ideas in splinting of burns

Splinting in burns is by no means a new subject, but this paper tries to demonstrate a new approach using new materials and sometimes humour. Conventional burn splints, dynamic and static, have been described in the past. All the following splints are made either with Mediplast, a new Israeli product, or Hexcelite.

Burns caused by flaming foods and drinks

Eight waiters sustained severe burns from flaming food at a wedding party. Most of the burns involved the face and upper chest, some victims needed skin grafts especially on their lower extremities. The presented cases emphasize the hazard of serving ignited food and drinks without taking appropriate safety measures. We support those who recommend legislation for mandatory safety guidelines, being convinced that most of these burns can be prevented.