Fiery combo: Alcoholics suffer burns while lighting up

BANGALORE: ‘One vice at a time’ should be the statutory warning. Trying two together — lighting up over a glass of alcohol — could be a spirited attempt, but it could turn too fiery to handle.
Consuming alcohol and smoking simultaneously not only burns internally but externally too — many a victim has ended up with deadly scars on the face and other parts of the body.
Shockingly, the burns ward at Victoria Hospital sees a significant number of cases of alcoholics accidentally burning themselves while lighting a cigarette in an inebriated condition. In most cases, burns sustained are usually 30% and above.
According to medical superintendent Dr B G Tilak, most accidents occur while lighting cigarettes. Occasionally, burns are sustained while sleeping, as chances of the mattress catching fire either because of accidentally moving a lamp or using a lighter, is not uncommon.
“Due to drinking over the limit and the state of intoxication, most victims are not in a condition to protect themselves or take immediate measures to counter a sudden fire. They sustain burns generally on the face and chest area,” added Dr Tilak.
LESSONS NOT LEARNED
Interestingly, these addicts do not learn from their mistakes, with many sneaking out to smoke even during the treatment period. “Neither the pain of having a scar on the body nor repeated counselling helps these patients. They are often spotted smoking even during the treatment period,” added Dr Tilak.
Of an average 40 new cases registered monthly at the state’s biggest burns ward in Victoria, 4-5% of these cases are related to alcoholics.
Dr Vijay Joseph, plastic surgeon at St John’s Medical College and Hospital, says: “Such accidents occur usually due to a mattress catching fire or when they forget to put off the lit cigarette. Unfortunately, in several such incidents, chances of innocent family members and friends being victim is also high.’’