Burns and Scals

Local treatment of burns

Minor burns are commonly treated by the application of antiseptic aintments or picric acid Tannafax, which is anon greasy, water soluble jelly, is a useful first and dressing. A satisfactory 1 percent cetavlon and to apply penicillin cream.

The dressing of gauze and wool is retained in place with a firm crepe bandage. In case of estensive burns, application of tannic acid to large denuded areas is dangerous. It is suitable for minor burns. Treatment for extensive burns include.

(a) Pressure Dressings: The burnt area is cleaned with swabs soaked in the saline and dead tisues are removed with scissors. Then the wound is dusted with sulphonamide and penicillin powder and covered with petroleum jelly gauze. Further layers of dry gauze are applied, followed by a layer of cottonwool. The dressing is untouched for some days. When the wound is clean and granulating, usually after the third week, then the skin grafts are applied.

(b) Bunyan Bag: After cleansing the limb is encased in a special water tight envelope, which is transparent. The envelope is filled with electrolutic sodium hypochlorite solution, so that the limb is bathed in the fluid, which is changed twice a day. The burn heals rapidly with a minimum of scarring. This method is especially useful for extensive burns of the hand and fingers.

(c) Saline Baths: In the case, if the patients clothes are charred and adherent to the tissues, then the patient is put in a saline bath at a temperature of 98 degree to 100 degree F. After the bath the patient is placed on a sterile sheet, the affected surface is dried under a lamp, and sulphonamide and penicillin powder is sprinkled onto it. The burnt area is then covered with vaselined gauze and a saline dressing, which is remoistened two hourly. These dressings are removed by soaking in the next bath.

Amputation: Amputation is necessary if a limb is charred.

In Case of Burns, Fatal results may occur due to one of the three causes:

(1) Primary Shock: It occurs simultaneously with the injury.

(2) Secondary Shock: It is responsible for 80 percent of death from burns. Children are particularly susceptible, especially if the face of abdomen is involved. Plasma is last from the circulation, some of which escapes onto the burnt surface. This exudation is filled by toxins derived from injured tissue.

(3 Toxaemia: It occurs after 48 hours and is increased if secondary infection occurs. The infected area is treated by the application of suitable antiseptics and a course of chemotherapy and penicillin is also given.