Tanning Procedures in the Management of Burn Disasters

Abstract

The protective effect of an artificial tanning scab seems to be greater than that of the physiologic eschar, in controlling the invasion by micro-organisms and the loss of water, electrolytes and plasma. Allgöwer, et al. confirmed a reduced toxicity in burns, using experimental tanning procedures. Applying mercurochrome 2%, tannic acid 5% and silver nitrate 10% is a simple and most effective local treatment, especially when large numbers of patients are involved. No further topical agents are necessary for days, and infusion therapy may consist simply of water and electrolytes for the first 2k h, and the patients are stabilized for transport. A most important advantage of this procedure, which was obvious in all our patients, is the reduction of pain. Resorption of the applied substances must be considered. Toxic side-effects have not been seen with the use of tannic acid 5% nor with silver nitrate 10%. Increased blood levels of mercury have been found, however, but they have not caused toxic complications in more than 200 monitored patients. Betadine may be used instead of mercurochrome as a local antiseptic. The antiseptic effect of betadine was found to be greatly prolonged after tanning, as compared to 100 patients with comparable burns without tanning—with septic complications having been reduced in the tannic acid group.