Kerala's first skin bank opens in Thiruvananthapuram, more coming: Details

What is a skin bank? It is a facility that preserves donated skin under strictly controlled temperature and safety protocols. Now, Kerala has such a facility in the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. More such banks will also be opened soon, and the second one is expected to get established at the Government Medical College, Kottayam. These facilities can improve the treatment of patients who suffered extensive skin loss due to burns or other similar complications. Kerala Health Minister Veena George said they can provide world-class therapy within the state's public health system.  

How does skin donation work?
Skin grafting is the process through which burns or similar conditions are managed. After undergoing a chemical processing phase lasting about 3 weeks, the skin is made suitable for clinical use. Then, it is grafted onto patients through plastic surgery using advanced medical techniques. The process is vital in managing major burn injuries, where the loss of skin compromises the body's natural barrier and increases the risk of infection, fluid loss and severe pain. According to medical experts, the transplanted skin functions as a biological dressing, providing immediate coverage to injured areas.

How does it help?
Skin donation and grafting reduce infection rates, ease pain, and prevent fluid and electrolyte loss, stabilising patients during the critical stages of recovery. The availability of banked skin is particularly crucial for patients with extensive burns, where sufficient healthy skin may not be available for autografting.

The first skin harvesting
The first skin harvest at Kerala's skin bank was made possible with the family's consent for a brain-dead donor, highlighting the importance of awareness about skin donation. Officials clarified that skin retrieval does not cause disfigurement, as it is collected from non-visible areas, such as the backs of the thighs. The procedure was carried out by a team led by Dr Prem Lal from the Plastic Surgery Department. Depending on clinical requirements, skin obtained from a single donor can benefit one or more patients.

Works in coordination with hospitals
The skin bank works in close coordination with burns units and specialised burns ICUs operating under the supervision of plastic surgery departments. These ICUs provide advanced care for patients with more than 10 per cent burn injuries, helping reduce infections, speed up healing, and improve survival rates, marking a significant boost to Kerala's capacity for advanced burn management.
(With IANS inputs)