Health1 min read

Meet Sia Domkundwar, 16, whose burn survivors' guide reaches 10 hospitals

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The initiative originated through BuildUp, a mentored student internship program designed to tackle real-world challenges. To build the 60-page manual, the creator consulted medical doctors, cosmetic specialists, and approximately eight survivors to identify common post-discharge difficulties. The final publication, titled "The Glow Guide," addresses daily matters ranging from scalp care and sun exposure to clothing choices and decoding product ingredient labels.

Key points

  • Burn and acid attack survivors often struggle to navigate everyday personal grooming and…: Burn and acid attack survivors often struggle to navigate everyday personal grooming and non-medicated skincare through unguided trial and error.
  • The manual provides practical guidance on topics such as nutrition, clothing, sunlight ex…: The manual provides practical guidance on topics such as nutrition, clothing, sunlight exposure, and recovery-related tools without prescribing rigid medical treatments.
  • A dedicated directory of supportive organizations alongside an ingredient guide helps sur…: A dedicated directory of supportive organizations alongside an ingredient guide helps survivors select safe products according to their individual healing pace.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

What happens after a burn or acid attack survivor leaves the hospital? The surgeries may be over, wounds may have started healing, and medical treatment may have addressed the immediate injuries. But everyday questions remain. Which moisturiser is safe for sensitive or grafted skin? What clothes will not cause irritation? Can survivors wear makeup? How should they care for their hair and nails?

These were some of the questions that caught the attention of 16-year-old Sia Domkundwar from Pune. Instead of treating them as minor concerns, she decided to find answers by speaking directly to survivors and understanding their experiences.

Her research eventually led to a 60-page resource called 'The Glow Guide', created to help burn and acid attack survivors navigate everyday self-care during recovery. The guide is now being shared through the Chhanv Foundation and circulated to 10 hospitals across India. For Sia, the project was about addressing a part of recovery that often receives less attention: helping people feel informed and comfortable while adapting to changes in their bodies.

The questions that inspired a teenager to take action

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