Chennai: Stanley hospital Skin bank brings relief to acid attack victims
Chennai: With Stanley hospital Skin Bank receiving its first skin donor, acid attack victims from across the country, who prefer city for eye treatment have yet another reason to rejoice and choose Chennai for their treatment.
Experts say the recently inaugurated Skin Bank in the state enhance the survival chances for an acid attack victim to 60 per cent from the existing 40 per cent.
“In the event of an acid attack, the first thing to do is to wash the affected area with a lot of water. Then cover the wound and bring the victim to the hospital. We cover the burns using the skin from the skin bank, which stays for 15-20 days. This will reduce the chances of infection,” said Dr Ratnavel, HoD Cosmetology, Stanley Hospital.
The prominent effect of an acid attack is lifelong bodily disfigurement, which has to be treated with skin transplants.
Victims from poor socio-economic background often find the skin reconstructive surgeries unaffordable and government skin banks could help victims of serious burns lead a normal life.
“It is great news for acid attack victims,” said Pragya Singh, an acid attack survivor, who runs an NGO for victims in Bangalore.
“The first 48 hours in the event of an attack is crucial in the life of an acid attack victim. The fresh skin accelerates the healing and reduces the chances of infection. Most acid attack victims die due to infection,” she said.
“Surgeries I underwent were quite complicated and expensive,” said Atif Bilal, an acid attack survivor.
“Doctors found it very difficult to remove skin from my thighs. A Skin Bank at the government sector can do a lot in case of saving the lives of victims, especially when the city has gained reputation in restoring vision in the eyes of acid attack victims,” said Bilal, who got his eye treatment in Chennai.
“A skin bank is about giving a new lease of life to people, who are unable to afford treatment. But awareness about skin donation is very less among people in the state,” said Dr Ratnavel.
