Traumatic injuries with deep abrasion: "a burn"

This epidemiological study deals with 34 patients with friction burns sustained between January 2007 and January 2008. The age group most affected was that between 21 and 30 yr, with a male predominance. Road traffic accidents were the commonest cause of friction burns (31 patients) and the lower limb was body part most commonly affected. The therapy was mostly conservative (no. 18): 14 patients were treated with a split-thickness skin graft, and just two with flap cover. Friction burns are overlooked in the emergency department because of their association with more critical mechanical injuries. They can be prevented by observing standard safety measures such as special clothing or appropriate equipment, especially as regards motorcycle riders.