Psychological and psychosocial functioning of children with burn scarring using cosmetic camouflage: A multi-centre prospective randomised controlled trial

Background

Burns leave patients with long-term physical scarring. Children with scarring are required to face challenges of reintegration into their community, including acceptance of an altered appearance and acceptance by others. This can be difficult given society's preoccupation with physical appearance.Limited research exists investigating validity of cosmetic camouflage as a psychosocial intervention for children with scarring. This study investigated whether using cosmetic camouflage (Microskin™) had a positive impact on health-related quality of life, self-concept and psychopathology for children and adolescents (8–17 years) with burn scarring.

Method

A prospective multi-centre randomised controlled trial was conducted across Australian and New Zealand paediatric hospitals. 63 participants (49 females, mean age 12.7 ± 2.1 years) were enrolled. Data points were baseline (Time 1) and at 8 weeks (Time 2) using reliable and valid psychometric measures.

Results

Findings indicate there were significant improvements in socialisation, school and appearance scales on the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory and psychopathology scores particularly peer problems decreased. However self-concept remained stable from baseline throughout intervention use.

Conclusion

Cosmetic camouflage appears to have a positive impact on quality of life particularly socialisation. Cosmetic camouflage is a valid tool to assist children with scarring to actively participate socially within their communities.     

Time to start putting down the knife: A systematic review of burns excision tools of randomised and non-randomised trials

Aims

Dermal preservation during acute burn excision is key to obtaining superior healing/scar outcomes, however, determining the most appropriate excision tool is an ongoing challenge. Novel tool development means the knife is no longer our only option, yet for the majority it remains the gold standard. This systematic review aims to evaluate evidence for burns excision approaches (knife/hydrosurgery/enzymatic).