Burns Caused by Hand Sanitisers: The Trail of a Collateral Damage Left Behind by the Covid Pandemic

The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed human lifestyle to follow COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviours (CAB) and that includes social distancing, and the use of masks and sanitiser for hand hygiene. With increased use of sanitiser; the incidence of burns due to sanitiser has been reportedly on the rise. The study analysed the reported burn incidences due to sanitiser, found the relation between sanitiser and the aetiology of burn and formulated guidelines for its safe use. The authors also suggested Do's and Don'ts to prevent and manage sanitiser burns. An online search was made to search the articles related to sanitiser burn targeting the words 'sanitiser', 'hand sanitiser', and 'burns and burns injury'. A general Google search was also made to look for any news reported in electronic media for sanitiser burns. A total number of 10 scholarly articles mentioning 95 cases were found satisfactory to fulfil the inclusion criteria. Most of the cases were flame burns due to the ignition of alcohol-based sanitiser (n=92, 98%) either by mistake or while lighting the flame for cooking or cigarette for smoking. In all cases, it was found that alcohol-based sanitiser was the agent causing burns which were more due to gel form. 61 patients were managed on an outpatient basis whereas 33 patients required admission. Increasing use of sanitisers can be related to increased incidence of burns. Its safe use is warranted with proper guidelines.