Suprathel-an innovative, resorbable skin substitute for the treatment of burn victims

Autologous split skin grafts are the most reliable method for closing third degree burns. Under this scheme, donor sites as well as second degree burns under conservative treatment, however, would benefit from rapid wound closure. For this treatment, biological as well as synthetic materials are available. For the improvement of these materials, primary goals are pain reduction and easy handling in the absence of biological risk. From a synthetic copolymer mainly based on DL-lactic acid a new skin substitute was developed, marketed as Suprathel. Within the scope of a bicentric study Suprathel was compared versus paraffin gauze intraindividually applied on split skin donor sites. Wound pain was measured on the Visual Pain Analog Scale over a period of 10 days as the critical criterion. Accordingly Suprathel versus Omiderm were compared on second degree burns (degree 2a, partial thickness burns). In both study parts, Suprathel significantly reduced pain. Its easy handling was superior compared to other materials. The Suprathel membrane adhered rapidly to the wound thus protecting against infections and promoting wound healing. No allergic reactions were observed. The ability of the material to resorb ensured pain-free removal after complete healing of the wound.