COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY OF LOCAL BURN WOUND THERAPY

Summary A group of patients with burns covering a surface area under 30 percent was treated with either 0.5% silver nitrate or Sulfamylon. Both agents appeared to be equally effective in controlling bacterial growth. Eschar separation was often prolonged, particularly when bacterial growth was well controlled. It seems that early excision and grafting of the small burn wound may be a valuable way to decrease cost and morbidity. Since the average hospital stay for these patients was more than 40 days, more vigorous efforts must be made to heal these wounds. When comparing the two modes of therapy in the treatment of the small thermal injuries, Sulfamylon may be the better drug due to its ease of administration and good patient and personnel acceptance.