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Abstracts/Presentation Description
William Hao Syuen Ng1, Lynda Spelman2
1Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
2The Queensland Institute of Dermatology (QIDerm), Brisbane, QLD
We present the case of a 19-year-old male patient that presented to a rural QLD hospital following deterioration of wounds associated with thermal branding. 2 weeks prior, he wished to have several numbers branded on his right calf for aesthetic purposes. After the procedure, he noted a larger proportion of skin was burnt than intended. On examination, large areas of eschar and tissue loss was present on his right calf.
Skin branding is a form of body modification that is under the category of intentional scarring for aesthetic purposes. It is permissible by licensed practitioners in some states in Australia albeit with varying legislation under skin penetration guidelines1,2. However, the patient had his procedure done with a non-registered practitioner.
Significant harm has been associated with skin branding. Besides pain and the permanent nature of the procedure, it has been associated with significant infections and death3. Further exacerbating this, certain proceduralists encourage leaving the wound open, addition of caustic substances such as shaving foam, and picking the wound to induce hypertrophic scarring.
His case was discussed with the burns unit of a metropolitan hospital, with a management plan of serial dressings with an anticipated protracted course for healing.
References:
1Environmental Health Directorate. Skin penetration procedures and the law. https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Skin-penetration-procedures-and-the-law. Accessed November 28, 2024.
2Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) act 2003. Queensland Legislation. https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-2003-081. Accessed November 28, 2024.
3Raza S, Mahmood K, Hakeem A, et al. Adverse clinical sequelae after skin branding: A case series. Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2009;3(1). doi:10.1186/1752-1947-3-25
References:
1Environmental Health Directorate. Skin penetration procedures and the law. https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Skin-penetration-procedures-and-the-law. Accessed November 28, 2024.
2Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) act 2003. Queensland Legislation. https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-2003-081. Accessed November 28, 2024.
3Raza S, Mahmood K, Hakeem A, et al. Adverse clinical sequelae after skin branding: A case series. Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2009;3(1). doi:10.1186/1752-1947-3-25
Speaker/Presenting Authors
Authors
Submitting/Presenting Authors
Dr William Hao Syuen Ng MD - Princess Alexandra Hospital (QLD, Australia)