We evaluated the use of
Suprathel(®), a synthetic
skin substitute, for partial thickness
burns in children. Thirty-three children (20 females, 13 males; mean age 29 months, range 5 months to 11 years) with
burns were treated with
Suprathel(®). The
burns were superficial partial thickness (n=24) or mid-dermal (n=19); the median %TBSA was 4% (range 1-13%).
Suprathel(®) was applied after
debridement, followed by
Vaseline gauze, dry gauze and crepe
bandage. The outer dressings were changed every 5-10 days unless clinical problems dictated otherwise. Median healing time was 16 days (range 9-38 days). Ten patients took longer than 21 days to heal, of whom four developed hypertrophic
scarring, which was strongly associated with
wound infection (p<0.05). Healing time of superficial partial thickness and mid-dermal
burns was not significantly different (p=0.494).
Suprathel(®) is an effective
skin substitute for the treatment of partial thickness
burns in children. The majority of
burns in children are mixed depth, and
Suprathel(®) has the advantage that it may also be used to treat mid-dermal
burns. It behaves like a
biological dressing but is not animal derived, so is acceptable to all religious and ethnic groups. Further studies to evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of
Suprathel(®) compared to other dressings in children are warranted.