Three-year-old burn victim recovering well

This three-year-old toddler, from Geduld Extension, has been in and out of Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital since their home caught fire.

His mother, Caren, says her son’’s burn rehabilitation is an undeniably difficult and time consuming effort.

Zaden’s last visit to the hospital was in February when he went for a check-up.

“The doctor informed me Zaden has shown a big improvement,” says Caren.

She says the incident has pulled the skin tight on his left foot and thumb, pulling it upwards and he will have to have skin stretching procedures to have this fixed.

“Without the procedure, it can lead to significant disability,” she says.

During his visit in February, a mould was done for the two splints which will help to avoid stiffness and clawing of the thumb and toes,” she says.

• Read: Zaden will spend more time in hospital

Zaden’s mother claims stiffness is common in the joints of burn patients.

Caren will take her son to hospital for another check-up in August and also collect splints to protect his thumb and foot.

However, regular visits are still needed for several stretching procedures of the skin on his legs.

Caren says Zaden’s scars may prevent him from walking and using his thumb properly.

“Tightness and lack of movement of his toes may make it harder for him to wear shoes in the future,” she says.

According to Caren, they don’t know what the stretching procedure entails, but they trust the doctors to do what is best for Zaden.

• Also read: Zaden (2) unknowingly runs into burning flat

Zaden, unknowingly, ran into their burning flat in October and sustained burns to 40 per cent of his body.

His stomach, both legs, left arm and face were burnt and he has undergone several skin grafts since.

Caren and her husband, Henna, say their son went through a difficult time, but handled the wound scrubbing and blood transfusion quite well.

“He was in a lot of pain, but he is a very brave toddler,” says Henna.