The “Friday Mass” burns of the feet in Saudi Arabia

Twelve cases of feet burns sustained because of standing or walking barefoot on the street following the “Friday Mass” were included in a prospective study. All injuries occurred during the summer months when the ground temperature is estimated to be in the range of 50-60°C. There were 2 children and 10 adults. Eight out of the 10 adults were diabetics with significant peripheral neuropathy. Non-diabetic patients with intact sensibility of the feet developed second degree burns that mainly involved the anterior part of the soles. On the other hand, diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy developed deep burns that involved the entire weight-bearing area of the sole. Furthermore, in one diabetic patient with superimposed significant peripheral vascular disease this burn injury induced toe pulp necrosis. Treatment and prevention of these burns are discussed.