Fatal Burn Injury Following Traditional Treatment in a Diabetic Patient from a Rural Area: A Case Report

Abstract

Background. The skin acts as a vital protective barrier, preventing infection, fluid loss, and heat damage. Burn injuries are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to specialized care is limited. Traditional burn treatments, still practiced in some rural areas, often lack scientific evidence and may delay wound healing or exacerbate the injury. This report highlights the complications of such non-scientific approaches and underscores the need for public education and early medical intervention. This case report describes a fatal burn injury resulting from a traditional intervention in a diabetic patient.

Case Report. A 74-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and aortic stenosis from a rural village near Gonbad, Iran, developed swelling and blistering of her right hand after a local healer misdiagnosed an initial lesion as an insect bite and advised washing with hot water and exposure to opium smoke. Her condition progressively worsened, leading to extensive necrosis and infection. She was hospitalized for 13 days at Payambar Azam Hospital in Gonbad and subsequently transferred to 5 Azar Hospital in Gorgan for an additional 5 days of treatment. Despite intravenous antibiotics, wound care, and supportive management, she developed septic shock and died from multiorgan failure shortly after discharge.

Conclusion. This case emphasizes the serious risks of unqualified traditional practices and delayed access to professional care in burn injuries, particularly among vulnerable patients with chronic diseases. Promoting public awareness, community education, and timely referral to specialized burn centers are essential steps for reducing preventable complications and mortality.