‘Branding’ refers to a traditional practice whereby third degree burns are inflicted on the skin with a hot iron rod or metallic object, burning ropes and metal rings, to treat various conditions [1,2]. In several Asian and African societies where traditional medicine is still widely prevalent, branding is used. These ancient methods are crude and inhuman, causing the treatment to be more unbearable than the original complaint, and carry the risk of complications [1].

Recently, we witnessed two children with an unusual site, shape, indications and methods used for branding. A 9-year-old child was admitted with diagnosis of post traumatic neuropathy of right lower limb (due to intramuscular injection given in gluteal region). This patient had a circumferential deep branding mark in middle of the right leg (Fig. 1a). This branding was done by applying a thick thread (Known as laccha, a ‘sacred’ thread) immersed previously in boiling oil, circumferentially over the middle of affected leg.

(a)	(b)
Fig. 1 Circumferential (a) and circular (b) branding marks. (See color image at website)

Another child (6-year-old) residing at nearby village, admitted with hepatitis A, had a circular and deep branding mark on the dorsal aspect of distal part of upper arm (Fig. 1b). It was done by grandfather of the child despite unwillingness of both parents (both educated up to higher secondary). It was said to be done by circular coil made of copper wire kept in burning coal. According to father of the patient, many patients suffering from jaundice come to his father for branding every day.

In spite of great advances in medicine, crude and harmful methods of heeling like Branding are still prevalent all over, especially among illiterate and poor people. It can cause acute infection, allergic reactions and sequelae arising from third-degree burns. Indian constitution provides immunity to our children by any ‘Hurt’ under the Juvenile Justice ‘Care and Protection of Children’ Act [3].

Stringent action must be taken to prevent these hazardous practices to protect our children.

Acknowledgement : Dr Mamta Dhaneria, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, RDGMC, Ujjain.  

1. Raza S, Mahmood K, Hakeem, Polsky S, Haemel A, Rai SA, et al. Adverse clinical sequelae after skin branding: A case series. J Med Case Rep. 2009;3:25.

2. A Sick Cure. Available from: http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20060123/branding.html. Accessed September 20, 2014.