Face burns caused by flambé drinks.
This study was conducted to identify the epidemiology of face burns in Korean adults caused by flambé drinks in the hope of developing preventive programs. We reviewed the medical records of 25 patients with burns caused by flame drinks that were admitted to the Hallym Burn Centre, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea, during the 30-month period of July 2002 to December 2004. The injuries occurred while drinking and spilling the whisky on the flame (68%) during the hours of social gathering and festivity. There were more men than women (male:female ratio=21:4); the mean age was 27.5+/-5.7 years (mean 27, range 21-43 years). Alcohol flames inflicted superficial (56%) to mid-second-degree burns in a relatively small area of body (TBSA 3.2+/-3.0%). The head was most commonly involved, followed by the upper extremity and trunk. All patients except two were treated with observation and daily dressing changes only. The mean length of hospital stay was 12.1+/-6.5 (10, 5-25) days. Long-term cosmetic outcomes were excellent. Some victims suffered mild corneal (n=4) and ear (n=6) burns, without permanent sequelae. Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression also were reported. Burn injuries induced by flambé drinks may be prevented by increasing public awareness about its danger and the potential risk for corneal and facial burns and by implementing a safety policy. All the involved parties--public, distillers, and bar and restaurant management--need to coordinate their efforts achieve a reduction in injuries.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hallym Burn Center, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Young Chul
YC
Jang
Young Joon
YJ
Kim
Jong Wook
JW
Lee
Suk Joon
SJ
Oh
Kyung Woo
KW
Han
Jung Wook
JW
Lee
Tae Hyung
TH
Han
D000328:Adult; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001458:Bandages; D002056:Burns / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D003646:Debridement; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004431:Ear, External / Q000293:injuries; D004954:Esthetics; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries