Ummikulsum N., 8

Ummikulsum is the 4th child of her parents. She attends a government primary school. Her father is is a small scale farmer as well as herdsman. The mother is a petty trader. She had perineal contracture release following burns injury. It has not healed due to lack of proper management, this is because of financial constraints by the parents. The parents came in contact with Helpster charity volunteer and have been asked to visit WholeCare hospital to be properly evaluated. On presentation at our hospital, Nafiu was thoroughly evaluated and diagnosed with Severe burns complications, Contractures and requires reconstructive surgery and split skin graft.

Ummikulsum is a 9-year-old female of poor background who presented with bilateral thigh postburn hypertrophic and hypopigmented scars that are prone to cancer in the future but are unable to pay for their surgery. She had scar excision and split thickness skin graft with very good outcome. She was discharged 21 days after admission to continue with follow up. Thanks to Helpster she is able to walk with ease now and with almost zero risk of malignant transformation, the family extends gratitude to the entire team as well.

With proper technique and care, STSG generally has a high success rate and good wound coverage. Poor graft take can occur due to infection, poor blood supply, or excessive movement. Long-term results are usually functional, though cosmetic appearance may be less optimal due to scarring or color mismatch. However this case is both life saving and life changing for Ummikulsum respectively.