CAPE MAN RECOVERS FROM BURNS

As an experienced painter of seven years, 25-year-old Doug Benton of Cape Girardeau never expected that routinely spraying lacquer varnish on woodwork could be potentially fatal.

While spray painting wood on a utility closet door in a new condominium March 12 in Breckenridge, Colo., Benton received third-degree burns over 32 percent of his body.

A needlessly lit water heater pilot light ignited airborne paint particles which resulted in a flash fire and explosion. The pilot light was left lit even though water service to the building was off.

After nine surgeries and nearly four months of hospitalizations in Denver, Colo., and St. Louis, Benton has returned to Cape Girardeau to live.

He undergoes daily hand and physical therapy which is expected to continue for two years.

Benton's quick thinking may have kept him alive. When he realized he was on fire he ran upstairs, through the living room, out upon a porch and jumped into a hot tub filled with tap water.

"I knew I was on fire and needed to stop, drop and roll but I did not think that would be a good idea so I ran and jumped in the hot tub," he said.

Five minutes after Co-workers called 911 the emergency team was there.

Benton was burned in an area from under his arm pits to his hands. His face and ears also were burned.

Fortunately he had worn a face mask and a towel to protect his lungs and hair against paint particles.

While in intensive care Benton suffered both lung and kidney failures. His doctors say his young age may also have helped him survive.

Pain from burns such as Benton's is severe and the healing process is extremely lengthy.

Julie Bricknell, a certified hand therapist, said Benton's positive attitude is helping him go over hurdles in his recovery, but his injuries are very severe.

"He had extensive damage to his nerves, his skin blisters easily, and his hands are very tender," she said.

Benton wears what is called "Jobst garments." The garments are like support hose for arms and hands. They deliver compression to the skin.

"When working with burn patients," said Bricknell, "we try to prevent the skin from contracting; the skin tightens with healing."

Benton massages a special lotion into his skin and wears hand splints at night to help open his hands and stretch out his thumbs.

Benton said his therapy keeps him "busy and tired."

Benton misses doing simple things that most people take for granted. "Just riding in the car is like a vacation for me," he said.