Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Teen Creates Glow Guide for Burn and Acid Attack Survivors
Sia Domkundwar is a 16-year-old student who wanted to help people recovering from burns and acid attacks.
She spoke with survivors and learned that many had questions about everyday things, such as clothes, sunscreen, hair care, and makeup.
Doctors help treat injuries, but people may still need guidance when they return to daily life.
Sia made a guide called The Glow Guide to help with those questions.
It shares information about care, products, services, and support groups.
It does not replace doctors or tell everyone to use the same products.
The guide was made with input from survivors and specialists.
It aims to help survivors make choices that feel right for them.
Sixteen-year-old Pune student Sia Domkundwar created The Glow Guide after hearing survivors describe everyday care questions left unanswered after medical treatment.
The 60-page, English-language resource covers skincare, clothing, hygiene, cosmetics, nutrition, hair and scalp care, nails, and recovery tools.
It offers information about products, service providers, NGOs, and hospital programmes, but does not prescribe medication or present products as universally suitable.
Survivors and specialists helped shape the guide, which uses a trauma-informed approach and avoids setting a required path or timeline for recovery.
The guide has been shared with the Chhanv Foundation and is being circulated to 10 hospitals in India; a digital and social media presence is planned.
- Who
- Sia Domkundwar, a 16-year-old Pune student, developed The Glow Guide with input from survivors and specialists.
- What
- A free, 60-page resource offering non-medical everyday-care information for burn and acid attack survivors.
- When
- The article does not give a publication or launch date; the guide is currently being shared with hospitals.
- Where
- Developed in India and being circulated to 10 hospitals across India; one named hospital is Shrishankara Superspeciality Hospital in Nanded, Maharashtra.
- Why
- To address everyday self-care questions survivors may face after or alongside medical treatment, while supporting choice and agency.
A fixed recovery plan
Survivor-led choices
How to guide everyday care
A fixed recovery plan
Products and routines can affect survivors differently; the guide therefore does not prescribe a single path or treat products as universally suitable.
Survivor-led choices
The guide offers practical information and direction so survivors can explore everyday care choices that suit their own needs.
What recovery includes
A fixed recovery plan
Medical treatment focuses on injuries and physical healing, which remain central to recovery.
Survivor-led choices
The article’s trauma therapist and survivors emphasize that recovery also involves daily life, feeling safe in one’s body, identity, and personal choice.
- Creator
- Sia Domkundwar, a 16-year-old student from Pune
- Resource
- The Glow Guide
- Length and language
- 60 pages; currently available in English
- Intended readers
- Burn and acid attack survivors
- Scope
- Everyday care including skincare, clothing, hygiene, cosmetics, nutrition, hair and scalp care, and nails
- Medical role
- Complements medical care; does not prescribe or recommend medication
- Distribution
- Shared with the Chhanv Foundation and being circulated to 10 hospitals in India
- Named hospital
- Shrishankara Superspeciality Hospital in Nanded, Maharashtra