Dr Eric Dantzer¹, Dr Anaëlle Faure

¹Military Instruction Hospital Sainte Anne, Toulon, FRANCE

Abstract:

Introduction : Silver Sulfadiazine (SSD) is currently the standard treatment for superficial burns.  However, caretaking may become an issue : dressing technique is not always mastered by home health care nurses, duration of care can also be too long and painful. We have evaluated the interest of a dressing based on natural silk with this indication.

Material and methods : Following diagnosis, the topical to be used was determined by drawing of lots. The SSD associated with fatty gauze was applied and then covered with dry gauzes and bandages. Silk was applied directly on the lesion and then covered with dry gauzes and bandages. Dressings were changed every 48 hours. The SSD was changed with each dressing after cleansing with saline ; the silk one was left in place until healing, only the dry gauzes and bandages were changed. Pain, duration of care and healing time were assessed.

Results : 60 patients were included 19 men, 11 women  were treated with SSD ;  16 men, 14 women with silk. The average surface area treated was 5% in both groups and . Pain (EVA) was evaluated between 3 and 4/10 for the SSD group and 0 to 2 for the S group. Dressing duration was 20-30 minutes for the SSD group and 10-15 minutes for the S group. The average healing time was 13 days for both groups. 2 complications , as infection ,were observed in each group.

Conclusion : The flexibility of silk facilitates smooth application on all surfaces and localisations. Silk has allowed shorter treatments, because it is technically simple, and less painful.  A larger study should confirm that 2nd degree burns can be managed with silk dressing as outpatients, by home health care nurses and reduce the cost effective of the treatment and the need for painkillers.

Biography:

Dr Dantzer , is head surgeon of the Burn Service and Plastic and Reconstructive Service of the Military Instruction hospital Sainte Anne, France.His field of interest and research is the surgical treatment of post burns and traumatic wounds with dermal equivalents