[Experimental comparison of different skin substitutes (author's transl)]

The authors discuss indications for using different temporary skin substitutes in local burn therapy. The clinical philosophy is based on an experience of 15 years. The advantages of those biological materials containing epidermis are stressed. Experimental results obtained in laboratory pigs show the importance of local therapy applied during the first 24 hours following injury, especially in cases of dermal skin loss. The healing of experimental dermal burns, mechanical defects, defects after necrectomy of dermal and full thickness burns were studied. In a further series of experiments in vitro, various biological and synthetic materials were tested as to their efficacy in evaporative waterloss prevention. Best clinical and experimental results were obtained with allografts (fresh and deep frozen) and with xenografts.