[Debridement of burns with proteolytic enzymes from Bacillus subtilis]

50 patients with burns received an enzymatic debridement with bacillus subtilis (Protease-ointment = Travase. Symmetrical control sites were treated without Protease-ointment simultaneously. With the help of Protease-ointment early eschar removal was achieved in deep dermal burns. In full thickness burns the success of the treatment was dependent on the depths of the tissue damage and the early application of Protease-ointment, which allowed the removal of the dermal elements of the eschar whereas fat remained unaffected. In our experience Protease-ointment can be considered a valuable method of eschar removal in addition to surgical measures.