Effectiveness of Collagen Dressing in Second Degree Paediatric Burns: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract

Introduction: Most common cause of burns in paediatric age group is scalds. Though intentional paediatrics burns are reported, usually they are caused by accidental spillage of hot water. Along with fluid management, major part of managing burns involves repeated dressings. Biological dressings like collagen are impervious to bacteria and create the most biological interface between the wound surface and the environment, ensuing in better healing. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of collagen dressings in second degree paediatric burns. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study done at Mahabhodhi Burns Center, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, from January 2018 to December 2019, included 75 second degree paediatric burns patients. Re-epithelialisation rates, infection and progress to full thickness burns were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software v.23. Results: Out of 75 children, 8 (10.7%) of children had complete re-epithelisation by seven days, 55 (73.3%) between 8 to 14 days and 4 (5.3%) between 14 to 21 days. Total 67 (89.3%) of children had complete epithialisation by 21 days, with mean of 9.5 days. Conclusion: Overall, collagen dressing helps in preventing infection, early re-epithelization, and avoids painful dressings. It minimises the psychological trauma on both patients as well as their parents.