Self-inflicted burns in the Irish National Burns Unit

Abstract

We carried out a review of self-inflicted burns presenting to the National Burns Unit in the Republic of Ireland. 87 self-inflicted burns were identified over a 12-year period accounting for 4.2% of total Burns Unit admissions. Patient demographics were identified. The majority of patients had a history of mental illness and deliberate self harm. We also examined the motivation behind the self-immolation, the total body surface area involved and the mortality rates.