Parents Of 5-Year-Old Girl Who Endured Burns As A Baby Say A Supermarket Cashier Refused Serving Her Because She Looked "Scary"

Apart from the excruciating pain one has to go through from being burnt, there are also psychological effects that burn victims experience. It comes in three stages.

First, is the Critical or Resuscitative stage, which is characterized by drowsiness, confusion, and a struggle for survival.

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Then the Acute stage characterized by a sleeping disorder, personality disorder, and sometimes substance misuse.

Lastly is the long term rehabilitation stage, which comes with depression, decrease in self-esteem, distress, and social withdrawal.

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This stage is long and can be triggered by social stressors like family strains and people's reactions. That is why this mother is deeply hurt by the way people treat her child.

Elizabeth's story

5-year-old Elizabeth suffered burns when she was only six months old as a result of a fire. The fire destroyed all they had.

Liam and Sinead Soffe had to be separated from their other children Danny, Amelia, and William for five months because they had to travel to Birmingham for Elizabeth's treatment.

But the most devastating effects of the fire was felt on Elizabeth's appearance. She lost half of her fingers, her left thumb and hair to the fire. She suffered severe physical injuries.

However, none of that has been compared to the hurtful remarks and comments they have gotten from strangers.

Hurt by the comments from strangers. They shared an open letter on the Facebook page of UK Charity Changing Faces where they addressed the issue.

The letter began with an address to people who had treated her daughter poorly because of her appearance.

The note explained that they understood children staring at Elizabeth in confusion, but they couldn't get why adult did the same.

Liam and Sinead a shocking story of how a cashier refused to serve their daughter because of the way she looked "scary."

An excerpt of the note read:

"What I do not understand is adults acting the way that they do around her. Why would an adult say "at least she won't have to wear a Halloween mask" or refuse to serve us at a supermarket till because she looked 'scary'? Why would any adult think this is an acceptable way to behave?"

Even though Elizabeth is a happy child, she is aware of the way people treat her differently, and they are afraid it would change how she sees herself.

The letter ended with praises about Elizabeth's lovely nature and how they want their girl to grow up around people who embrace her difference and see her for who she is.

How to understand and improve body image after burn injury

You have to understand that the body has to go through both physical and emotional healing process.

• Learning to accept the changes in your body is vital.
• Focus on your internal strength
• Be confident;
• Try as much as possible not to react negatively to people's comment. But if you feel overwhelmed, get help.

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Suffering burns is not a choice people make for themselves. It is essential we always consider the way they feel and treat them no different.