ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of different medical tools to simplify blood withdrawal, an old-fashioned method is still frequently being used in neonatal infants: the use of warm elements such as a warm washcloth or a glove filled with warm water, wrapped around an extremity. Use of these warm elements may easily cause contact burns in neonates. Unfortunately, not seldom we see and treat neonates with these burn injuries. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a neonate, who was referred to our outpatient clinic with an iatrogenic contact burn. The patient received topical treatment and wound dressings for over a month time. Scars remained. CONCLUSION: We would like to raise awareness among care givers on this type of injuries. To prevent these iatrogenic burns injuries, we advise to use alternative methods to simplify blood withdrawal.
Subject(s)
Burns , Administration, Topical , Bandages , Burns/etiology , Cicatrix , Humans , Iatrogenic Disease , Infant , Infant, NewbornABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is a new type of injury that is observed increasingly often: frostbite of the thighs that has occurred as result of holding a cylinder containing nitrous oxide in position between the legs during recreational use of said substance. Because skin symptoms are often mild in the first few days after the event, the severity of the injury is often not recognized. However, patients can suffer serious scarring from this type of injury. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present two cases involving young patients who were referred to the burns unit with lesions sustained through nitrous oxide use. Upon inspection we observed deep frostbite wounds, which necessitated operative treatment. The patients had to undergo multiple operations and remained under our care for management of their scars. CONCLUSION: It is important to recognize this injury and to consult one of the burns units to treat these patients in a timeline and appropriate manner.
