[The treatment of superficial burns of the hands under controlled microclimate conditions]

In the treatment of the superficial burns of the hands, since October 1996, we have used exclusively the method of the controlled microclimate, verified in different variants starting early sixties. At the end of the usual primary wound treatment, the hand covered with the chosen topic is an ordinary new polyethylene bag. The bags are not pre-sterilized but the test showed no pathogen germs. The patient uses the hands for the daily activities--eating, reading. He/she is encouraged to perform active exercises (light gymnastics). We change the bags daily or whenever necessary, after a careful of the wound. We evaluated the healing time, the epithelial quality, secretions, mobility, patient's and medical personnel's acceptability, and the economic aspect. Though we couldn't notice a shorter period of healing, the epithelium showed a better quality in the early period of regeneration. The range of mobility was faster restored but long term results were the same as with usual dressings. We consider the method is appropriate for standardization in superficial hand burns in inpatients or outpatients for at least 4 reasons: comfort for the patient, his active and conscious participation in the process of healing, high acceptability among medical personnel, the semnificative economic advantage.