New dressing combination for the treatment of partial thickness burn injuries in children

Burns are among the most common causes of injury in children. Several wound dressings are available to conservatively treat second-degree burns. Seventy-three children were treated with Aquacel Ag foam and Zn-hyaluronon gel to determine their effectiveness on partial thickness burns. We applied silver nitrate solution on 25% of patients for 24 hrs, then checked burn depth. If the burn was superficial second degree, we applied the dressing under study. All dressings were removed 6-7 days later. In the remaining children we used Aquacel Ag foam dressing with Zn-hyaluronon gel at first intervention. The dressing was checked on the second day, and removed on the sixth or seventh day (unless it had spontaneously separated). Hot water scalds were the main cause of injury. Other causes included hot oil, flame and contact, among others. Wound size was on average 5% total body surface area. Burns were seen on all body parts, and in 38 cases on more than one area. None of the 73 children treated with this dressing were diagnosed with wound infection. We observed the epithelialization of the burned areas on the 6th or 7th day after primary treatment. These dressings efficiently promote epithelialization, and a further advantage of Zn-hyaluronon gel is that it enhances cell regeneration and inhibits dressing fixation into the wound. Based on our experience, with this dressing combination we can achieve gentle, child-friendly and cost-effective treatment, excellent wound healing and favourable cosmetic results.