Burn victims carry their scars on their bodies for life

Survivors of the 2018 Mati fire describe how burn injuries can last for years, turning physical scars into long-term strain. Marianthi Chandrinou, 17 at the time, was hospitalized for 47 days at the Latsio Burn Center of Thriasio Hospital with burns on her legs and arms after leaving home as flames consumed nearby pine trees. The article says the disaster occurred on July 23, 2018, and killed 104 people. Chandrinou, now eight years on, describes immune collapse, difficult bandage changes, persistent illness sensations, and ongoing management with regenerative creams, silicone sheets, and pressure garments, along with sun avoidance. It also cites that around 90 burn victims from Eastern Attica were hospitalized across five hospitals in 2018, with 17 deaths during hospitalization, prompting Greece’s national health system to handle a mass-casualty incident for the first time. Volunteers recorded needs because hospitals were unprepared, the article adds.