POLOKWANE – Burns are the third most common cause of accidental deaths among children under the age of 14, exceeded only by motor vehicle accidents and drowning.
National Burn Awareness Week happens from May 6-12 and serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the effects that burn wounds have, especially on children.
Read more: National Burn Week places spotlight on treatment for children
Stella de Kock, Managing Director for Transplant Education for Living Legacies (Tell) said skin grafts are the gold standard in treating burn wounds, to minimise scarring and promote healing.
“Small children in particular need skin grafts as a small burn or scald can cover most of their bodies. The main function of the skin is to retain moisture, regulate body temperature, and protect the body from bacteria and other harmful elements,” she said.
Burn wounds must be dressed to prevent dehydration and infection. By applying donor skin (Allograft) to burn wounds, the body recognises the skin as human tissue and sees it as the patient’s own and accepts it. A skin allograft relieves pain and controls infection more effectively than a collagen dressing.
“The skin allograft can be harvested from the torso, hips, thighs, and upper calves of the deceased donor. The donor skin can be left on the wound for up to 2 weeks without having to redress the wound during this time, which enables the body to recover. The donor skin dries out after two weeks, making it easy to remove and causing future damage or pain,” de Kock added.
Availability of allograft and risk of infection are the two main constraints in its regular use. Human skin allograft is an effective method of burn wound coverage and it cannot be replaced by synthetic skin substitutes at present.
“Have the conversation about organ and tissue donation with your loved ones today, so when the time comes, they will be aware of your wishes and be able to save a child’s life one day. You can save up to eight people’s lives with organ donation and improve the lives of up to 50 people with tissue donation. Make it known that you wish to be an organ and tissue donor one day,” de Kock said.
How you can help:
de Kock said Tell raises awareness for organ and tissue (skin) donation and are always looking for funds for various projects.
“If you wish to make a donation and help tell spread more joy to children in need of a skin or organ transplant, please use the banking details below to purchase a Zane educational soft toy which costs R250.”
Name: Transplant Education for Living Legacies NPO
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account type: Cheque
Account no: 62818725775
Branch code: 250655
Reference: Zane
Donations can also be made via Yoco.
