Clinical assessment of accurate burn depth forms a substantial component in influencing a patient’s treatment modality and healing potential. In most cases, deep burn injuries require early mode of invasive intervention to promote timely healing with minimal scarring (Devgan et al, 2006).
A vital part of burn wound care is wound bed preparation, assessment and the removal of devitalised tissue by debridement. The devitalised tissue present in the wound bed increases the likelihood for wound infection and delays healing. Surgical intervention is the most effective method of wound debridement; however, some patients refuse surgery whilst others are unfit for surgical intervention, due to their co-morbidities. With fixed necrotic tissue that is thicker and harder to remove, sharp mechanical debridement becomes more difficult.
Consequently, conservative treatment by autolytic debridement is often the option; nevertheless, this can take several weeks to accomplish healing
Jacky Edwards
Burns Nurse Consultant, Burns Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Mini Karuppan
Sister, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
