Treatment of burns

Abstract

1. 1. The severe burn case carries a responsibility not only for the attending surgeon, but for all individuals participating in the treatment. Close attention to details of therapy is essential. 2. 2. The burn must be treated as a surgical wound preliminary to the application of the therapeutic agent. 3. 3. Shock is an early complication and must be dealt with by the early administration of sedatives, heat to the body, and parenteral fluids, in addition to blood transfusions. 4. 4. The local agent used may depend upon the type of burn and the experience of the attending surgeon. 5. 5. Sulfapyridine has proved of value in a limited number of cases with sepsis and upper respiratory complications. 6. 6. The acid or alkali burn should be thoroughly washed with water before applying the neutralizing agent. 7. 7. Attention to the position of the patient is important to prevent contractures and deformities, and to obtain the best functional result. 8. 8. It should be emphasized that attention to the nutrition of the patient is important and may be supplemented by frequent small blood transfusions to combat the secondary anemia, which is associated with exhaustion. 9. 9. Early skin grafting minimizes loss of fluid from the burned area. The effects of infection are also reduced, thereby limiting scarring and contractures. 10. 10. Physiotherapy may assist in the rehabilitation of the patient and restoration of function. 11. 11. The results of treatment in the severe burn case show a favorable lowering of mortality by the use of modern therapy.