A plastic surgeon has warned parents to be vigilant when putting "gypsy-style" skirts on their children, following an increase in the number of serious burns caused by such skirts catching fire.
Since last July, seven children have been treated for burns on their legs at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, in Crumlin, caused by the combustible skirts. And seven women have been treated for serious burns on their legs at the national burns unit at St James's Hospital, in Dublin, since Christmas, compared to 11 in the previous three years.
The women and girls were injured by standing too close to open fires, heaters and candles while wearing the long skirts.
Dr Caitríona Lawlor, of the burns unit, said the flowing cotton or nylon skirts billow close to fire and also fan the flames, making the skirts more susceptible to catching fire.
"People don't realise how far the skirt is from their body and it catches fire before they become aware of it," she said.
"Children in particular are not aware of their environment, and parents need to know there is a significant risk relating to wearing this clothing."
She said of the seven women treated for burns, five required skin grafts and two needed multiple operations. Three of the children required skin grafts.
"We were concerned to get the message out now with the approach of the barbecue season," said Dr Lawlor.
