Partial Thickness Facial Burns Research Articles

Evaluating the long-term aesthetic outcomes of a customized nanofibrous temporary epidermal matrix in facial burn treatment

IntroductionFacial burn injuries have a profound impact on patients’ lives due to the significant alterations in physical appearance. Recent advancements in medical technology aim to improve the healing process while minimizing scar formation. This study investigates the clinical outcomes of treating superficial to partial-thickness facial burns with a nanofibrous temporary epidermal matrix over a 12-month period, encompassing objective and subjective scar assessments. MethodsA prospective cohort analysis was conducted involving ten patients with facial burns. The study assessed re-epithelialization time, complications, and long-term objective scar outcomes at the 8-month and 12-month marks. ResultsThe study revealed a notable mean re-epithelialization time of 12.1 days (Standard Deviation: 3.78) without any complications. At the 8-month assessment, there were no discernible differences in objective scar outcomes between treated and intact areas. After a 12-month follow-up, a subtle reduction in skin quality was observed, which lacked clinical significance. ConclusionThese findings emphasize the potential of nanofibrous temporary epidermal matrices as patient-friendly dressings for managing second-degree to partial-thickness facial burns. Their ability to address facial burns without increasing patient discomfort suggests the potential for a less traumatic healing experience, ultimately enhancing overall patient recovery.

Outcome of Facial Burn Injuries Treated by a Nanofibrous Temporary Epidermal Layer.

The face is commonly affected in thermal injuries, with a demand for proper recognition and the correct choice of treatment to guarantee optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes. It is highly vascularized and often heals conservatively, highlighting the particular relevance of conservative treatment modalities, many of which require daily re-applications or dressing changes, which can be painful and tedious for both the patient and the healthcare providers. Motivated by encouraging results of a novel temporary nanofibrous epidermal layer, we herein present a case series of this technology in a case series of patients suffering from facial burns and treated in our Burn Center. Patients with superficial partial-thickness facial burns and mixed pattern burns, which were treated with SpinCare™, an electrospun nanofibrous temporary epidermal layer, between 2019 and 2021, at our institution were analyzed retrospectively. The Manchester scar scale (MSS) and numeric rating scale (NRS) were used for scar, pain, and outcome evaluation at different time points by five independent board-certified plastic surgeons with profound experience in burn surgery. Ten patients (m = 9; f = 1) were treated and evaluated retrospectively. The mean age was 38.8 ± years (SD ± 17.85). The mean healing time was 6.4 days (SD ± 1.56). The mean follow-up was 16.4 months (SD ± 11.33). The mean MSS score was 5.06 (SD ± 1.31), and the mean NRS Score for pain was significantly reduced from initially 7 to 0.875 upon application (mean (pre-application) 7 ± 0.7 and (application) 0.875 ± 1.26; p ≤ 0.0001). Patients reported a NRS score of 10 in terms of functional and cosmetic outcomes at their final follow-up appointment. No adverse effects were observed. The application of a nanofibrous temporary epidermal layer such as SpinCare™ represents a relatively easy-to-use, well-tolerated, and effective alternative for the treatment of partial-thickness facial burns.

797 Single Stage Application of Autologous Skin Cell Suspension in Deep Partial Thickness Pediatric Facial Burns

IntroductionDeep partial thickness facial burns in the pediatric population present a dilemma. Standard burn treatment includes excision and split thickness sheet grafting for the face or closure which often yield sub-optimal results. Point-of-care system for autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) can be utilized as a stand alone option for partial thickness burns. We sought to evaluate our early results from the treatment of pediatric deep partial thickness facial burns using ASCS.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort analysis of pediatric deep partial thickness facial burns treated with early excision and application of ASCS. After assessment by two surgeons, patients underwent tangential excision with either standard surgical burn knives or dermabrasion. Depth was assessed and if dermal elements were present, then ASCS was applied. Primary outcome was time to >95% reepithelialization, and secondary outcomes were aesthetics, Vancouver Scar Scale, postoperative complications, number of reoperations for wound closure, and need for burn reconstruction.ResultsFrom September 2020 to July 2021, eight pediatric patients (six male and two female) with deep partial thickness facial burns were treated within one week of injury with excision and ASCS. TBSA ranged from 0.3%-24% with some having additional anatomic areas. The mean age was 2.5 years old, with a range of 1.08-5.0 years old. Burn mechanisms included flame, scald, and contact. The mean time from burn injury to initial excision and ASCS was 4.3 days, with a range of 2-7 days. Average time to complete reepithelialization was 20.3 days, with a range of 4-47 days. Average follow up duration was 218 days with a range of 98-365 days. No patients experienced complete graft loss or infection. One patient required need for reoperation with reapplication of polylactic acid skin substitute placed to a small area on the face during closure for other non-face burns. Of the 8 patients, the two patients with the longest times to complete reepithelialization required laser therapy, of which one patient also needed limited facial scar contracture release.ConclusionsEarly, single-staged ASCS application results in good aesthetic and relatively quick healing times with no complications and limited need for additional burn reconstruction. While the results are promising, there is a need for larger studies with longer term follow up before wider applicability.

COLLAGEN DRESSINGS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PAEDIATRIC FACIAL BURNS-OUR EXPERIENCE

Background-Facial Burns in the paediatric Populations are very common in our society. Facial burns in paediatric age group are usually caused due to accidental spillage and scalding by hot liquids. These burns are usually partial thickness in nature.Collagen dressing have a better outcome in the management of partial thickness facial burns. Wound healing is important with the aim to minimize the deformity and a cosmetically acceptable scar. Methodology- Thirty patients 3-12 years of age were included in a retrospective study from September 2017 to September 2018.All patients were analyzed in terms of age and sex, Type of burn, duration of presentation, degree and percentage of burns, complications, cosmetic outcome. Mean age of presentation 5.7yr. Ninety-six percent of childre Result- n had burns secondary to scalding. Dry collagen sheet applied to all 30 patients. Ninety-three percent patients had satisfactory healing in 10 days. Ninety percent patients experienced no pain with collagen in situ. Ten percent patients had minor complications where all patients were very comfortable with collagen dressing. Collagen dressing is very useful in rst and Conclusion- supercial second degree facial burns in paediatric populations. It is well tolerated, provides multiple benets, and it has fewer complications and excellent cosmetic outcome as our study showed.

Clinical Performance of Hydrogel-based Dressing in Facial Burn Wounds: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Preserving both esthetic and functional outcome remains challenging in facial burn injuries. The major issue is the initial treatment of injury. In this study, we focused on patients with partial-thickness facial burns admitted to the burn unit of Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, from November 2016 to November 2018. In 21 included patients, customized mask-style, transparent hydrogel-based dressing was applied to the burns. The mean age of included patients was 37.4 years. The mean area of burn injury was 11.9% of total body surface area, and the mean area of second-degree facial burns was 162.3 cm2. Full reepithelialization took, on average, 10.86 days. Scarring was acceptable in terms of texture and color, and no hypertrophic or keloidal scarring was noted. The mean Vancouver Scar Scale score was 2.07. Use of the hydrogel-based dressing masks seems to be a promising means of reducing pain, providing uninterrupted wound healing, facilitating observation, and positively affecting scarring in patients with second-degree facial burns.

Glycerol Preserved Amnion: A Viable Source of Biological Dressing for Superficial Partial Thickness Facial Burns.

To evaluate the role of amnion as a biological dressing in superficial partial thickness facial burns. Randomized controlled trial. Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, from January 2017 to December 2018. Sixty two patients with superficial partial thickness facial burns were randomly divided into two groups (A and B). Ointment containing Polymyxin B and Bacitracin was applied in group A (n=28) while amnion was applied in group B (n=34). The patients were monitored for the pain related to burns needing analgesia, time of healing of burns, and cosmetic outcome of the facial scarring over a period of six months. The mean age of the patients was 26.5 ±12.2 years. 39 (62.9%) patients were male and 23 (37.1%) were females. The mean percent total facial surface area burned was 2.7% ±1. None of the patients developed facial wound infections. The average healing time was 6 ±2 days. The mean frequency of analgesia for 3 days of group B was less as compared to group A. infection rate was similar in both groups. No significant difference was observed in VAS score at 1, 3 and 6 month follow up between both groups. Amnion is a safe, cost effective and most readily available biological dressing for superficial partial thickness facial burn management. Key Words: Amnion, Facial burn, Biological dressing, Scarring, Partial thickness burn.

Initial Experience With Autologous Skin Cell Suspension for Treatment of Deep Partial-Thickness Facial Burns.

Facial burns present a challenge in burn care, as hypertrophic scarring and dyspigmentation can interfere with patients' personal identities, ocular and oral functional outcomes, and have long-term deleterious effects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate our initial experience with non-cultured, autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) for the treatment of deep partial-thickness (DPT) facial burns. Patients were enrolled at a single burn center during a multicenter, prospective, single-arm, observational study involving the compassionate use of ASCS for the treatment of large total BSA (TBSA) burns. Treatment decisions concerning facial burns were made by the senior author. Facial burns were initially excised and treated with allograft. The timing of ASCS application was influenced by an individual's clinical status; however, all patients were treated within 30 days of injury. Outcomes included subjective cosmetic parameters and the number of reoperations within 3 months. Five patients (4 males, 1 female) were treated with ASCS for DPT facial burns. Age ranged from 2.1 to 40.7 years (mean 18.2 ± 17.3 years). Average follow-up was 231.2 ± 173.1 days (range 63-424 days). Two patients required reoperation for partial graft loss within 3 months in areas of full-thickness injury. There were no major complications and one superficial hematoma. Healing and cosmetic outcomes were equivalent to, and sometimes substantially better than, outcomes typical of split-thickness autografting. Non-cultured, ASCS was successfully used to treat DPT facial burns containing confluent dermis with remarkable cosmetic outcomes. Treatment of DPT burns with ASCS may be an alternative to current treatments, particularly in patients prone to dyspigmentation, scarring sequelae, and with limited donor sites.

The Use of Dehydrated Human Amniotic Membrane Versus Amniotic/Chorionic Membrane Allografts to Treat Partial Thickness Facial Burns.

Facial burns have significant physical and psychologic effects on patients. Human dehydrated amniotic membrane represents novel technology, yet its outcome has not been sufficiently studied to guide practice. The objective of our study is to compare the benefits of amniotic membrane (DHAM) to amniotic/chorionic membrane (DHACM) skin substitutes to treat partial thickness facial burns. Retrospective review of data collected from our institutional burn registry from 2012 to 2016. Demographic characteristics including age, total body surface area (TBSA) burn and injury severity scores were collected and outcome measures were compared between the 2 groups. Paired sample t-test and Chi-squared were used with significance defined as P < 0.05. A total of 77 adult patients with partial thickness facial burns who received DHAM and DHACM skin substitutes were included in the analysis. The mean age for the DHAM group was 39.8 compared to 41.4 for the DHACM. Mean TBSA was similar, with 10.9% in the DHAM group compared to 8.3% in the DHACM. Patients receiving DHAM had higher requirement for skin substitute surgical reapplications as compared to the DHACM group (23.7% versus 5.1%, P ≤ 0.05). Remaining morbidities remained low and not significantly different between patients receiving DHAM and DHACM substitutes (P > 0.05). The DHAM and DHACM skin substitutes are valid and safe alternatives in the treatment of adult partial thickness facial burns.

The Use of Dehydrated Human Amniotic/Chorionic Membrane Skin Substitute in the Treatment of Pediatric Facial Burn.

Facial burns have lasting physical and psychological effects on pediatric patients. Proper management to minimize morbidities challenges reconstructive surgeons. New technologies allowed the development of skin substitutes such as amniotic and chorionic membranes, yet the use of these skin dressings and their impact on burn outcomes have not been sufficiently studied to guide practices. The objective of this study is to report on the outcomes of dehydrated amniotic membrane as a biologic skin dressing in pediatric facial burn injury compared to cadaveric allografts. Retrospective review of data collected from our institutional burn registry from 2012 to 2016. The study population included patients younger than 16 years with facial burns. Patients between 2012 and 2014 received cadaveric allografts, whereas during 2015 to 2016 patients received dehydrated human amniotic/chorionic membrane as standard treatment. Demographic characteristics and outcome measures were compared between the 2 groups. Included 30 patients with a mean age of 3.7 years and with an average total body surface area burn of 6.8% (2%-27%). Mean injury severity scores did not significantly differ between both groups, 1.8 in amniotic group versus 2.3 in cadaveric skin group (P > 0.05). There were 4 complications (3 hypertrophic scars and 1 wound infection) in the cadaveric allografts group versus no complications in the amniotic membrane group (P < 0.05). Dehydrated amniotic/chorionic membrane wound dressings are a safe alternative to cadaveric allografts in treating pediatric partial thickness facial burns.

Outcomes of the Use of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Wound Dressings for the Treatment of Partial-Thickness Facial Burns.

The purpose of this study was to assess clinical, functional and cosmetic outcomes of the use of hyaluronic acid-based wound dressings for partial-thickness facial burns. Patients with partial-thickness facial burns hospitalized at the Burn Center between April 2014 and April 2017 were evaluated. Data pertaining to demographic characteristics, etiology, and degree of burn and percentage of burn to TBSA were collected. Pain, infection rates, reapplication rates, length of hospital stay, duration of healing, and presence of scar formation were analyzed. Median percentage of burn to TBSA was 15% (interquartile range [IQR]: 9-20). Fifteen patients had only facial burns, while 39 patients had burns on other parts of the body in addition to the face. Nine patients had deep partial-thickness burns, while 45 had superficial partial-thickness burns. Median length of hospital stay was 7 days (IQR: 3-15) for the entire study population and 4 days (IQR: 2-7.5) for patients who had only facial burns. Median healing time was 9 days (IQR: 7-12). Fifty-one (94%) patients had a Vancouver Scar Scale score of zero at 6 months. Use of hyaluronic acid-based wound dressings for facial burns is an effective and safe option.

A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Active Leptospermum Honey for the Treatment of Partial-Thickness Facial Burns.

Research suggests that active Leptospermum honey (ALH) improves outcomes in patients with partial-thickness burns by enhancing healing and reepithelialization rates, as well as by protecting against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. This study assessed the effectiveness of ALH gel on healing time, bacterial growth, patient satisfaction, and cost of treatment. Single-arm, prospective case series. Seven patients (aged 7-64 years) with partial-thickness facial burns were recruited from a northeastern US burn center. All patients cleansed their wounds daily with soap and water, after which they applied ALH gel. Three physicians independently rated healing using wound photography and daily tests for the presence of exudate. Wound cultures on days 1 and 7 (±2 days) assessed bacterial growth. Patients completed a satisfaction survey at the end of treatment, and cost of treatment was calculated. Healing time ranged from 3 to 14 days (mean, 8.1 days). Wound cultures revealed normal bacterial growth on days 1 and 7 for all patients. Patients rated ALH gel favorably, with the most common complaint of stickiness in 5 patients. One patient experienced transient burning on application that did not interrupt treatment. Average hospital-based cost of treatment was $26.15 per patient. Healing time was congruent with or better than what would have been expected with standard treatment. Furthermore, despite no antibiotic treatment, wound culture results yielded no abnormal bacterial growth. Finally, patients overall reported satisfaction with treatment. The findings of this study suggest that ALH is a clinically and economically valuable treatment for partial-thickness facial burns.

Orofacial contracture management outcomes following partial thickness facial burns

PurposeTo examine clinical outcomes following non-surgical exercise for contracture management post partial thickness orofacial burn. MethodsA cohort of 229 patients with partial thickness orofacial burn was recruited over 3 years. Orofacial contracture management combining exercise and stretching was initiated within 48h of admission and continued until functional goals were consistently achieved. A second cohort of 120 healthy controls was recruited for normative comparison. Vertical and horizontal mouth opening measures were recorded at the start and completion of orofacial intervention for patients and once only for controls. ResultsAt commencement of intervention, participants with orofacial burns had significantly (p<0.001) reduced vertical and horizontal mouth opening. Treatment duration averaged 30.7 days (SD=52.3). Post treatment significant (p<0.001) improvements in vertical and horizontal opening were noted. At treatment conclusion, a significant (p<0.01) difference remained between the burns cohort and control group for vertical mouth opening, though horizontal mouth opening was now statistically comparable to the controls. ConclusionThis study supports positive outcomes following orofacial contracture management for patients with partial thickness orofacial burn. Despite this, some functional loss remained with patients demonstrating persistent reduced vertical mouth opening at conclusion of treatment compared to their healthy counterparts.

Moist occlusive dressing (Aquacel® Ag) versus moist open dressing (MEBO®) in the management of partial-thickness facial burns: A comparative study in Ain Shams University

IntroductionThe face is the central point of the physical features; it transmits expressions and emotions, communicates feelings and allows for individual identity. Facial burns are very common and are devastating to the affected patient and results into numerous physical, emotional and psychosocial sequels. Partial thickness facial burns are very common especially among children. This study compares the effect of standard moist open technique management and a moist closed technique for partial thickness burns of the face. Patients and methodsPatients with partial-thickness facial burns admitted in the burn unit, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt in the period from April 2009 to December 2009 were included in this study. They were divided into two groups to receive either open treatment with MEBO® (n=20) or coverage with Aquacel® Ag (n=20). Demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, TBSA, burn areas), length of hospital stay (LOS), rate of infections, time to total healing, frequency of dressing changes, pain, cost benefit and patient discomfort were compared between the two groups. The long-term outcome (incidence of hypertrophic scarring) was assessed for up to 6 months follow-up period. ResultsThere were no significant differences in demographics between the two groups. In the group treated with the Aquacel® Ag, the mean time for re-epithelialization was 10.5 days, while it was 12.4 days in the MEBO® group (p<0.05). Frequency of changes, pain and patient discomfort were less with Aquacel® Ag. Cost was of no significant difference between the two groups. Scar quality improved in the Aquacel® Ag treatment group. Three and 6 months follow-up was done and long-term outcomes were recorded in both groups. ConclusionMoist occlusive dressing (Aquacel® Ag) significantly improves the management and healing rate of partial thickness facial burns with better long-term outcome compared to moist open dressing (MEBO®).

The Introduction of a Protocol for the Use of Biobrane for Facial Burns in Children

Biobrane has become an indispensible dressing with three established indications in acute burns care at our institution: (1) as the definitive dressing of superficial partial thickness facial burns, (2) after tangential excision of deep burns when autograft or cadaver skin is unavailable, and (3) for graft reduction. This paper details our initial experience of Biobrane for the management of superficial partial thickness facial burns in children and the protocol that was compiled for its optimal use. A retrospective analysis of theatre records, case notes and photographs was performed to evaluate our experience with Biobrane over a one-year period. Endpoints included length of stay, analgesic requirements, time to application of Biobrane, healing times, and aesthetic results. Historical controls were used to compare the results with our previous standard of care. 87 patients with superficial partial thickness burns of the face had Biobrane applied during this period. By adhering to the protocol we were able to demonstrate significant reductions in hospital stay, healing time, analgesic requirements, nursing care, with excellent cosmetic results. The protocol is widely accepted by all involved in the optimal management of these patients, including parents, anaesthetists, and nursing staff.

Dried irradiated human amniotic membrane as a biological dressing for facial burns—A 7-year case series

Background Facial burns are common and have a significant impact on patient function and psychosocial well being. Human amnion has been used for many years as a temporary biological wound dressing in the management of partial thickness burns. The observed advantages of human amnion treatment include pain relief, ease of use, prevention of infection and acceleration of wound healing. Objective This study evaluated our 7 years of working with dried irradiated human amnion in the treatment of facial burns. Method A review of patients, treated with dried human amnion for facial burns between 2001 and 2008. Demographic details collected included age, gender, total facial surface area burned, type of burn and cause of injury. The effectiveness of the treatment was determined by wound infection rate, frequency of dressing reapplication, healing time and resulting scarring. Results Thirty-three patients with superficial partial thickness burn were identified (25 males, 8 females). The average age of the patients was 16.5 years (range: 8 months to 64 years). The causes included scalding ( n = 15), contact burning ( n = 13) and flash burning ( n = 5). The mean percent total facial surface area burned was 2.7% (range: 0.5–8.5%). None of the patients developed facial wound infections. Eighty-five percent ( n = 28) of the patients needed a single application of the dried amnion. The average healing time was 5.4 days (range: 2–14 days). Thirteen patients (39%) had burns confined to the facial area, of which three were discharged and treated as outpatients. Long-term follow up showed two hypopigmented scars, one hyperpigmented scar and one hypertrophic scar. Conclusion Superficial partial thickness facial burns can be effectively treated with dried irradiated human amnion membrane.

The efficacy of Helix aspersa Müller extract in the healing of partial thickness burns: A novel treatment for open burn management protocols

Snail extracts have been increasingly used in numerous dermatologic conditions and recent literature attributes healing, soothing and anti-aging properties to them. This study evaluates the efficacy of Helix aspersa extract in an open wound management protocol for deep partial thickness (PT) facial burns and compares it to moist exposure burn ointment (MEBO). A total of 27 adult patients with deep partial thickness facial burns (group A) were treated by application of a snail extract cream twice daily for a maximum period of 14 days or until full epithelialization. Times until debridement and epithelialization of the burn surface were compared with those of 16 patients (group B, control) treated by MEBO. Pain scores were recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS) on the fourth post-burn day before and 30 min after application. Mean times for eschar detachment were 9±2 days (group A) and 11±2 days (group B) (p=0.003) and for burn surface epithelialization were 11±2 days and 15±3 days respectively (p≤0.001). VAS pain scores after application in group A were significantly lower compared to group B (p≤0.001). Helix aspersa extract is a natural, safe and effective alternative treatment in open wound management of partial thickness burns in adults.

Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy and Z-Plasty for Facial Burn Scars

Hypertrophic scarring after partial thickness facial burns is common when epithelialization takes longer than 3 weeks. Well-healed areas continue to mature unfavorably, resulting in raised, erythematous, and contracted scars. Excisional treatment of such scars has morbidity and can create iatrogenic deformities. The flashlamp-pumped, pulsed dye laser (PDL) in combination with z-plasty can be used as a successful alternative to excision in patients with facial hypertrophic burn scars. Fifty-seven patients with hypertrophic facial burn scars (mean age 12 years; range, 2-21 years) were treated with the PDL over the past 8 years. Thirty-four patients (60%) were also treated with z-plasties to relieve scar tension. There was one complication of postoperative blistering. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on time from burn to initial laser treatment. Group I (<1 year) had 11 patients and the laser diminished scar proliferation in these patients. Group II (1-4 years) included 24 patients and treatment resulted in reversal of hypertrophic scarring and elimination of erythema. Group III (>5 years) consisted of 22 patients. The PDL was effective in treating their stable and persistent erythema as long as 17 years after burn injury. No scars required excision in this cohort of 57 patients. The PDL should become an integral part of the management of facial burn scarring and will significantly decrease the need for excisional surgery.

Amnion in the treatment of pediatric partial-thickness facial burns

Background Wound coverage for second-degree burns remains a clinical challenge. Human amniotic membranes have been used for many years in the treatment of burns; however, no large prospective clinical trials have been published. In this article, we present a novel and standardized procurement and processing method for amnion and investigate, whether the use of this biological dressing is safe and may represent a new therapeutic option for children with partial-thickness facial burns compared to standard topical treatment. Methods Patients with partial-thickness burns of the face, neck and head admitted between 2003 and 2005 were included in this study. They were divided into two groups to receive either amnion ( n = 53) or topical antimicrobials ( n = 49). Demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, TBSA, burn areas), length of hospital stay (LOS), rate of infections (RI), time to total healing, and frequency of dressing changes were compared between the two groups. The long-term outcome was assessed in nine patients in the amnion group and eight patients in the topical group, who returned for up to 12-month follow-up visits. Results Patients in the amnion group had significantly less dressing changes then in the control group ( p < 0.05). Time to healing, length of stay and the development of hypertrophic scarring was not different between the groups. Use of amnion was not associated with an increased risk of local infection. Conclusion This study indicates that amnion is safe and has advantages as wound coverage for second-degree facial burns compared to the standard topical ointments. Further studies with the use of amniotic membranes on the trunk and the extremities, as well as for coverage of grafted third-degree burns, have yet to be performed.

Treatment of partial thickness facial burns with Biobrane

Treatment of partial thickness facial burns with Biobrane

The treatment of partial-thickness burns: Amnion versus topical antimicrobial crème

Wound coverage for second degree burns remains a clinical challenge. In the present study we investigated whether the use of Amnion is safe and may represent a new therapeutic option for children with partial-thickness facial burns compared to standard topical treatment. Methods: Children with partial-thickness burns of the upper body and the face admitted between 2002 and 2004 were included in this study. Children were divided into two groups to receive either Amnion (n=48) or topical antimicrobials (2% Polymyxin B/ Bacitracin ointment) (n=53). Demographics (age, sex, race, TBSA, burn areas), length of hospital stay (LOS), rate of infections (RI), and need for systemic antibiotic treatment were compared between the two groups. The long term outcome was assessed in 14 patients in the Amnion and 17 patients in the topical group who returned for 3 to 6 month follow-ups. Results: There was no difference in age, gender, TBSA, burn area, LOS and RI between the two groups. The amnion group required significantly less systemic antibiotics compared to the standard treatment, p<0.05. One patient showed a mild facial swelling after Amnion application. Three patients in the topical group had a local reaction to the therapy. In each group, two patients showed hypertrophic scar development at the follow-up visits. Conclusion: This study indicates that Amnion is safe and may have advantages as a wound coverage for second degree facial burns compared to the standard topical ointments. However, a large prospective study should be performed in order to introduce Amnion as a treatment option.