World Skin Day: One Skin Donation Can Save Up to Five Children, Say Osmania Doctors
HYDERABAD:Ahead of World Skin Day on Wednesday, doctors at Osmania General Hospital’s Osmania-Hetero RCHE Skin Bank said the facility has around 10,000 sq cm of preserved skin in storage. So far, the bank has distributed skin collected from 50 donations and helped nearly 100 burn patients.
Doctors urge people to overcome myths about skin donation
Doctors said myths and misconceptions continue to discourage people from donating skin, even though it can save the lives of patients with severe burns.
Dr P. Lakshmi, Head of the Burns, Plastic Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery Department at Osmania General Hospital, said most donations come from brain-dead and natural death donors.
“To spread awareness and clear misconceptions, we will work closely with eye donation programmes. Skin donation is already listed on the Jeevandan website. In addition, NGOs and transplant coordinators are supporting the initiative,” she said.
Doctors said families can donate skin within six hours of death. However, if they preserve the body in an ice box, they can donate within 24 hours. The skin retrieval team can reach any location within a 20-km radius at any time with the required equipment.
Skin remains usable for up to five years
Doctors collect skin from the legs, thighs and back. They then dress the body properly, ensuring the procedure does not affect funeral or religious rituals.
The medical team tests blood samples for HIV, Hepatitis B and other infections. They also screen donors for skin diseases. After that, the team follows a three-stage preservation process, including bacterial and fungal testing. As a result, the preserved skin remains usable for up to five years.
Doctors use skin grafts to treat patients with major skin loss caused by burns, trauma, infections and chemical injuries. According to Dr Lakshmi, burns covering more than 25% of an adult’s body or more than 10% of a child’s body can become life-threatening. Therefore, timely skin grafting is critical.
One donor can help save several children
Doctors said the skin bank has treated children with 10% burns and adults with burns covering up to 75% of their bodies. At present, Osmania General Hospital provides all preserved skin free of cost to admitted burn patients. The Plastic and Burn Surgery team also offers emergency services round the clock.
According to doctors, skin grafts reduce pain, prevent infections, minimise scarring and improve survival.
People with HIV, Hepatitis B, skin infections, skin cancer, or those who die due to poisoning or severe infections cannot donate skin. Anyone aged 18 years or above can pledge to donate.
Doctors said the amount of skin available depends on a donor’s age and body build. An 18-year-old donor can provide up to 2,500 sq cm of skin.
So far, doctors have collected skin from 50 donors. They have already used donations from 30 donors to treat around 100 patients. According to the medical team, one skin donation can help save three to five children with severe burns.
