Tangential excision of scalp burns: experience from the Bradford fire disaster

Tangential excision of deep dermal scalp burns does not appear to be widely practised. During the Bradford Football fire victims sustained mixed depth scalp burns. These were mainly as a result of radiant heat, although falling molten bitumen was the cause of injury in a few patients. Deep dermal or full thickness burns of the scalp were tangentially excised and skin grafted. One patient did not have a graft applied after tangential excision. The early results of graft take were satisfactory. Subsequently, however, 56 per cent required further grafting; the reasons for this are discussed. Ten months after the incident there is no difference in appearance between areas of primary grafting and areas of secondary healing.     

Efficacy of hydrosurgical excision combined with skin grafting in the treatment of deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns: A two-year retrospective study

IntroductionDeep partial-thickness and full-thickness burn wounds often undergo tangential excision or escharectomy to expose healthy tissue, combined with skin grafting to promote wound healing. However, conventional tangential excision with the humby knife leads to inevitable damage to the dermis while excising burn tissue due to the lack of precision. Indeed, the preservation of dermal tissue is a key factor in determining wound healing and scar quality. The precision and tissue selectivity of the Versajet Hydrosurgical System has been established for excising burn tissue while preserving dermal tissue. In this study, we retrospectively compared the efficacy of "Hydrosurgical excision combined with skin grafting" and "Conventional tangential excision combined with skin grafting" in treating deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burn wounds to demonstrate that hydrosurgery improved the treatment of deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns.MethodsA total of 86 patients with deep partial-thickness and/or full-thickness burns with a total burn surface area (TBSA) ≤ 25% from July 2018 to July 2020 were included in this study and were divided into experimental (hydrosurgical excision combined with skin grafting, n = 43) and control (conventional tangential excision combined with skin grafting, n = 43) groups. Parameters were analyzed, including the intraoperative blood loss volume per unit area of grafted skin, surgery duration, wound healing time, skin graft survival, and the treatment costs per unit of burned area. Scar assessment was performed at 1 year with the modified Vancouver Scar Scale linked with TBSA (mVSS-TBSA).ResultNo significant difference was found in male to female ratio, age, weight, TBSA, burn depth, skin grafting area (SKA), skin grafting methods, cases treated with carbon dioxide fractional laser or incidence of inhalation injury, and the incidence of hypovolemic shock between two groups(p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, patients treated with hydrosurgical excision combined with skin grafting experienced less intraoperative blood loss volume per unit area of grafted skin (p < 0.05). The mVSS-TBSA of patients that underwent hydrosurgical excision combined with skin grafting was significantly improved in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01). No significant difference was found in surgery duration, wound healing time, skin graft survival and treatment costs per unit of burned area between the two groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionHydrosurgical excision combined with skin grafting reduced intraoperative blood loss volume per unit area of grafted skin, improved scarring 1-year after injury, and did not increase the treatment costs per unit of burned area. This technique provides a novel alternative for managing deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burn wounds.     

Grafting of deeply burned problem zones in the lower extremity with a dermal substitute

Functional results after deep excision and split thickness skin grafts are often limited as a consequence of unstable grafted areas and contractures. In two patients with a full-thickness thermal injury to the lower extremities and one patient with a chronic unstable skin area over the knee, the Integra^TM bilayered membrane dermal substitute was applied. After uneventful dressing changes graft take was complete without infection or other complications. Complete wound closure was achieved in all three patients within 3–4 weeks after the initial operation. The functional range of motion of the involved joints and the skin quality and contour was superior to conventional grafted skin after excision down to fascia and rather more comparable to skin grafts over a tangentially excised eschar. After wound healing, the neodermis was histologically similar to normal dermis. Considering the high incidence of unstable skin and contractures after regular grafting of deeply excised burns, this concept may present a significant improvement not only for the primary but also for secondary reconstructive procedures, with respect to the long-term quality of life for burn patients. Received: 1 December 1997 / Accepted: 13 June 1998     

Efficacy of laser debridement with autologous split-thickness skin grafting in promoting improved healing of deep cutaneous sulfur mustard burns

The consequences of receiving a cutaneous sulfur mustard (SM) burn are prolonged wound healing and secondary infection. This study was undertaken to find a treatment that promotes quick healing with few complications and minimal disfigurement. Multiple deep SM burns (4 cm diameter) were generated on the ventrum of weanling pigs and treated at 48 h. Four treatments were compared: (1) full-thickness CO₂ laser debridement followed by skin grafting; (2) full-thickness sharp surgical tangential excision followed by skin grafting, the “Gold Standard” used in deep thermal burns management; (3) partial-thickness laser ablation with no grafting; and (4) partial-thickness sharp excision with no grafting. A computer controlled, raster scanned, high-powered continuous wave (cw) CO₂ laser was utilized. Ulceration, wound geometry, and wound contraction were evaluated during a 36-day healing period. Histopathological evaluations were conducted at the end of the healing period. Engraftment rates were similar between both methods of debridement. Laser debridement followed by skin grafting was as efficacious in improving the wound healing of deep SM burns as the “Gold Standard.” Full-thickness laser debridement of these small total body surface area (TBSA) burns was time efficient and provided adequate beds for split-thickness skin grafting. Laser debridement offered additional benefits that included hemostatic control during surgery and minimal debridement of normal perilesional skin. Mid-dermal debridement by sharp excision or laser ablation without grafting produced less desirable results but was better than no treatment.     

异种(猪)脱细胞真皮基质一次性包扎治疗深Ⅱ度烧伤

目的探讨应用异种(猪)脱细胞真皮基质一次性包扎治疗深Ⅱ度烧伤创面的临床应用效果。方法1997年1月—2004年1月,应用异种(猪)脱细胞真皮基质一次包扎治疗50%~95%总体表面积(TBSA)、深Ⅱ度烧伤的患者67例[异种(猪)脱细胞真皮基质治疗组];同期保痂治疗的50%~95%TBSA、深Ⅱ度的患者10例(保痂治疗组),观察创面愈合时间和愈合质量及其并发症发生情况。治愈患者经过3个月~2年的随诊,观察瘢痕增生情况。结果异种(猪)脱细胞真皮基质治疗组深Ⅱ度创面中途基本不需换药,创面愈合时间缩短,平均(12.2±2.6)d,而保痂治疗组愈合时间为(27.4±3.5)d,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);同时,异种(猪)脱细胞真皮基质治疗组瘢痕增生情况较保痂治疗组明显减轻或者无瘢痕增生。结论一次性覆盖异种(猪)脱细胞真皮基质可有效地治疗深Ⅱ度烧伤创面,能加快创面愈合,减轻瘢痕增生,从而降低烧伤感染和炎症反应综合征的发生。     

Conservative surgical debridement as a burn treatment: Supporting evidence from a porcine burn model

In thermal deep‐dermal burns, surgical debridement is normally used in conjunction with skin grafting or skin substitutes and debridement alone as a burn treatment is not usually practiced. The current study addresses whether or not debridement alone would enhance burn wound healing on small deep‐dermal‐partial thickness burns. This was a prospective and blinded experimental trial using a porcine deep‐dermal‐partial thickness burn model. Four burns, approximately 50 cm² in size, were created on each of eight pigs. Two burns from each pig were immediately surgically debrided and the other two were not debrided as the internal control. Hydrate gel together with paraffin gauze were used to cover the burns for four pigs and silver dressings for the other four. Clinical assessment of wound healing was conducted over a 6‐week period. Skin samples were collected at the end of the experiment and histopathological evaluation was performed. The results show thinner scar formation and lower scar height in the debrided compared with nondebrided wounds in the hydrate gel/paraffin gauze groups. There were no statistically significant differences in wound healing assessment between the debrided and nondebrided wounds dressed with silver dressings. This study provides supporting evidence that immediate debridement with an appropriate dressing and without skin grafting may promote wound healing, suggesting its potential benefit for clinical patients.     

The deeply burned upper extremity: functional graft distribution concept with selective use of a synthetic dermal substitute (Integra) and split-thickness skin grafts

A 15-year-old boy sustained a severe inhalation injury and second/third degree burns following a flame burn involving the face, neck, upper thoracic regions, and upper extremities measuring 25% of his total body surface area. The right arm had a full-thickness burn, the left arm deep partial-thickness burns. Tangential excision and split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) were performed. Because of the full-thickness burns on the right arm, an epifascial excision was necessary on the left arm, sparing the venous tributaries. To reconstruct the epifascially excised extremity, a new concept was used. Split-thickness skin graftings were selectively distributed over the digits, and the remaining zones were covered with a synthetic dermal substitute (Integra). Unfortunately, the dressing changes and the definitive grafting of the synthetic dermal substitute had to be delayed until day 62 because of severe lung failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the necessity for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, multiple organ failure, and prolonged intensive care stay. Despite circulatory and ischemic complications, all grafts taken on both extremities after incorporation of the dermal substitute, both immediate and delayed, were complete. There was no infection or other complication. The functional range of motion of all involved joints and the skin surface quality and contour were remarkably good. It is emphasized that the considerations in this report should be considered as preliminary and that further investigations are required.     

The fate of the dorsal metacarpal arterial system following thermal injury to the dorsal hand: A Doppler sonographic study

Hands are involved in over 70% of all serious burns. This study comprised 80 hands in 41 patients with burns of the dorsum of the hand. Eighty percent of the hands in our study had deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns that had to be grafted. This study was performed to evaluate the patency of the dorsal metacarpal artery (DMCA) system in burn-injured hands. Sixteen hands healed spontaneously; 62 had to be excised and grafted. Doppler mapping of the dorsum of the hand was completed using an 8-MHz probe. Patent vessels were found in a pattern similar to that of a normal population in spontaneously healed and grafted partial-thickness burns. The incidence of dorsal arteries decreased from 100% for the first DMCA to 80% for the DMCA in the fourth web space. In full-thickness burns the correlation of burned hands to normal volunteers was only 80%. It can be concluded from the data that the DMCA system is not damaged by deep partial-thickness burns that are excised and grafted. The DMCA system is still intact in 80% of patients with full-thickness burns. The potential for elevating a DMCA flap is therefore preserved after burn excision and grafting. Preoperative Doppler examinations are recommended before planning the flaps.     

Wound contraction rate in excised and unexcised burn wounds with laser photobiomodulation: Systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies

IntroductionLaser photobiomodulation (laser PBM) is an effective means of accelerating burn wound contraction, however it is still unclear whether laser PBM produces greater benefit when applied directly to excised and unexcised burn wounds . The aim of this systematic review of preclinical studies was to determine the effectiveness of laser PBM in the wound contraction rate in excised and unexcised burn wounds.Materials and methodsA systematic search was conducted in the EMBASE, MEDLINE and LILACS databases. Preclinical studies were included that analysed the effectiveness of laser PBM in burn wound contraction, and assessed wound closure. The SYRCLE risk of bias tool was used. Random effects models were used to estimate the pooled effect.ResultsThirteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis and six in the quantitative analysis. Two weeks after the lesion, laser PBM favoured the wound contraction percentage, increasing the closure rate in excised burn wounds (SMD= 1.34, CI 95% 0.41 to 2.27, 0.41–2.27, I²=0%, = 0%, low certainty of evidence. In unexcised burns, it was uncertain whether laser PBM increased or diminished the wound contraction rate (SMD=1.22(SMD = 1.22 CI 95% ?0.05 to 2.49, I²=68%; = 68%; very low certainty of evidence).ConclusionsIn the animal model, laser PBM is effective in increasing the wound contraction rate in excised burns. However, due to the low certainty of the evidence, uncertainty remains about the true magnitude of the effect of laser on wound contraction in animals; our results should therefore be interpreted with caution.     

The use of Suprathel(®) in deep dermal burns: first results of a prospective study

Introduction

While autologous skin grafting has been the standard for coverage of full-thickness areas, several options for deep-partial-thickness defects exist. With regard to economising donor sites, we compared a copolymer based on dl-lactid acid (Suprathel^®) as temporary wound dressing with autologous skin, and analysed time to healing and scar quality in matched areas of deep-partial-thickness burn.

Methods

We recruited 18 patients with a median age of 45 years (range: 25–83 years), for this prospective, non-blinded controlled non-inferiority study, suffering from deep-partial-thickness burns from November 2009 to July 2010. After early tangential excision, matched deep-partial-thickness areas were covered with 1:1.5 meshed autologous skin grafts and the copolymer for direct intra-individual comparison. Scars were evaluated by means of the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and suction cutometry (MPA 580, Courage and Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany) on days 30 and 90, postoperatively.

Results

Fifteen days after surgery, complete wound closure was present in 44.4% (8/18) of all areas covered with copolymer and 88.9% (16/18) in the split-thickness skin graft (STSG) area (p = 0.008). Evaluation of the total VSS, POSAS and cutometry satisfied the criterion of non-inferiority for Suprathel^® on day 30. Ninety days after surgery, only the Observer Scar Scale showed that Suprathel is non-inferior to STSG, albeit the mean total VSS and Patient Scar Scale were better in Suprathel^® areas.

Conclusion

Suprathel^® represents a solid, reliable epidermal skin substitute with longer healing times in comparison to skin grafts but comparable results concerning early scar formation. Suprathel^® can serve as a tool in treatment portfolio for adult patients suffering from deep dermal burns. Especially in patients with extensive burns, Suprathel^® can be used to cover the deep dermal burn wounds to save STSGs and its donor sites for the coverage of full-thickness burned areas.     

The use of a polylactide‐based copolymer as a temporary skin substitute in deep dermal burns: 1‐year follow‐up results of a prospective clinical noninferiority trial

Deep dermal burns can be covered with different kind of materials and techniques; one of them is a polylactide‐based temporary skin substitute. The aim of this study was to intraindividually compare its 1‐year outcome with the results obtained by use of autologous skin grafts in patients suffering from deep dermal burns. A prospective noninferiority trial was designed in order to assess skin quality and scar formation by use of subjective (Vancouver Scar Scale; Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale) and objective (noninvasive cutometry) burn scar assessment tools. All items of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, except vascularity, were found to be noninferior in the areas covered with the temporary skin substitute vs. autologous skin. Results of objective scar evaluation showed comparable viscoelastic parameters without reaching noninferiority. Overall, the outcome of deep dermal burns covered with a polylactide‐based temporary skin substitute revealed satisfactory results in terms of scar formation and skin quality as compared with autologous skin. This paper supports its use in deep dermal burns, where autologous skin donor sites require either to be reserved for coverage of full‐thickness skin defects in severe burns or to be saved for reduction of additional morbidity in selected patient collectives.     

Acceleration of wound repair by curcumin in the excision wound of mice exposed to different doses of fractionated γ radiation

Fractionated irradiation (IR) before or after surgery of malignant tumours causes a high frequency of wound healing complications. Our aim was to investigate the effect of curcumin (CUM) on the healing of deep excision wound of mice exposed to fractionated IR by mimicking clinical conditions. A full-thickness dermal excision wound was created on the shaved dorsum of mice that were orally administered or not with 100 mg of CUM per kilogram body weight before partial body exposure to 10, 20 or 40 Gy given as 2 Gy/day for 5, 10 or 20 days. The wound contraction was determined periodically by capturing video images of the wound from day 1 until complete healing of wounds. Fractionated IR caused a dose-dependent delay in the wound contraction and prolonged wound healing time, whereas CUM administration before fractionated IR caused a significant elevation in the wound contraction and reduced mean wound healing time. Fractionated IR reduced the synthesis of collagen, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and nitric oxide (NO) at different post-IR times and treatment of mice with CUM before IR elevated the synthesis of collagen, DNA and NO significantly. Histological examination showed a reduction in the collagen deposition, fibroblast and vascular densities after fractionated IR, whereas CUM pre-treatment inhibited this decline significantly. Our study shows that CUM pre-treatment accelerated healing of irradiated wound and could be a substantial therapeutic strategy in the management of irradiated wounds.     

Effects of allogenic acellular dermal matrix combined with autologous razor‐thin graft on hand appearance and function of patients with extensive burn combined with deep hand burn

The aim of the study was to observe the effect of allogeneic acellular dermal matrix (ADM) combined with autologous razor‐thin graft on the appearance and function of hands in patients with extremely large area burns combined with deep hand burns. Sixty‐four patients with severe burn combined with deep burn of the hand in our hospital from August 2015 to August 2019 were selected as the study subjects. All patients were randomly divided into the study group (32 cases, given allogeneic ADM combined with autologous razor‐thin graft) and the control group (32 cases, given autologous scar tissue combined with autologous razor‐thin graft). Hand appearance, wound healing, wound contraction, hand function, and quality of life were compared between the two groups at 3 and 6 months after treatment. The vascular distribution, skin thickness, and flexibility scores of the two groups 6 months post operation were lower than those of the 3 months post operation (P < .05). At 6 months after operation, there were significant differences in blood vessel distribution, skin thickness, flexibility, and colour between the two groups (P < .05). The wound healing rate and wound contraction rate of the two groups at 6 months after operation were higher than those at 3 months after operation (P < .05). The wound healing rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group (P < .05), but there was no significant difference in the wound contraction rate between the two groups. Hand function was better in both groups 6 months after operation than 3 months after operation (P < .05). The hand function of the experimental group was better than that of the control group at 3 and 6 months after operation (P < .05). The quality of life in the two groups at 6 months after operation was significantly higher than that at 3 months after operation, and the quality of life in the study group was consistently higher than that in the control group (P < .05). Allogeneic ADM combined with razor‐thin graft in the treatment of patients with extensive burns and deep hand burns can effectively restore the shape and function of the hand, which is conducive to wound healing and improve the quality of life of patients, and it is worthy of wide clinical application.     

Effects of lysine-vasopressin on blood loss and haemodynamics after early excision in burned pigs

EARLY excision of deep dermal burns changes the pathophysiological events and may shorten healing time provided the wounds can be covered with grafts (Haynes, 1969; Jan?ekovi?, 1970; Mac Millan, 1971; Burke et al., 1976). Major blood loss is difficult to avoid and makes excision difficult or impossible. Vasopressin, a powerful peripheral vasoconstrictor, has been found to increase cardiac output and to improve the perfusion of vital organs under hypovolemic conditions (Ericsson, 1971; Wetterlin et al., 1977). Such effects may prove favourable during early excision of burns. In order to study the effects of lysine-vasopressin (LVP) on bleeding and haemodynamics, pigs were burned and submitted to acute excision with and without LVP-treatment.     

更进一步提高深度烧伤创面修复质量

This article summarizes methods of repair of massive and deep wounds, elucidates how to improve wound healing quality and avoid scar deformity after deep hum. A part of denatured dermis (non-necrotic)in deep partial-thickness burn, "mixed degree" burn, even in full-thickness burn wounds before forming eschar can be preserved and covered with autolo-gous skin, thereby to avoid secondary damage to the structure of subcutaneous tissue and the junction of dermis-adipose, thus to result in good functions, appearance, and survival rate. After skin grafting, wound healing quality and appearance are im-proved, joint function and elasticity of skin are enhanced, the degree of scar contracture is relieved due to preservation of nor-mal adipose tissue after escharectomy. The study of composite artifical skin will be actively developed in the future. Tissue-en-gineering skin and stem cells can be successfully used in pa-tients with deep burns for starless healing with restoration of physiological functions in a short period.     

Prospective study of burn wound excision of the hands

To examine the role of early excision and grafting in the preservation of maximal function of hands with deep dermal burns, we prospectively evaluated 164 burned hands in consecutively admitted patients (mean age, 29 years; mean burn size, 37% of body surface). All hands with burn depths of second degree, deep second degree, or third degree above the level of the tendons and joint capsules were assessed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and at discharge from the hospital. Patients were treated by excision and grafting in the first or second postburn week, by delayed grafting alone, or by allowing primary healing. Total active range of motion measurements were made on the day of discharge (mean, 64th postoperative day). Mean operative blood loss per hand was 1,270 ml. When all (alive and dead) patients undergoing early excision and grafting were examined by a binomial probability model, early surgery was shown to produce no adverse affect on survival. Excision and grafting of hands with deep dermal burns, whether early or late, offered no advantage over physical therapy and primary healing in maintaining hand function. Likewise, hands with more superficial burns responded equally to operative and nonoperative treatment. While early excision and grafting of hands with third-degree burns tended to produce poorer results than did initial nonoperative care and late grafting, the differences are just outside the range of significance. Early excision and grafting of selected third-degree injuries of the hands may be indicated in patients with small total body surface burns in order to shorten hospital stay. However, early surgical intervention in patients with massive burns should be directed toward area coverage, not toward hand excision.     

Therapeutic possibilities in hand burns

Four methods of treating the burned hand are possible: conservative treatment of superficial dermal burns, tangential excision and immediate grafting of deep dermal and barely full thickness burns, granulation method with late grafting of deep dermal to deep full thickness burns, flap procedures of full thickness burns. The tangential excision and grafting of deep dermal and barely third degree burns has improved the well being of the patient by good functional and cosmetic results, less hospitalization time (10-14 days) and less pain. The procedure is described. Tangential excision is contraindicated in the very deep burn. In these the growth of granulations or in certain cases the application of skinflaps will produce better results. Important as to the result is the aftercare consisting of compression gloves and physiotherapy. Even with progress the deep burn remains a devastating injury to the delicately operating hand. Nevertheless the appropriate therapy can achieve good results.     

Long-term functional results of selective treatment of hand burns

Four hundred seventy-eight patients with hand burns (786 hands) were treated at the burn service of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Long-term evaluation showed that early incision and immediate autografting of deep second degree, mixed second and third degree, and third degree full-thickness hand burns resulted in 93 percent, 95 percent, and 93 percent, respectively, excellent to good functional results. There was no significant differences in results in patients with superficial second degree burns treated nonsurgically with silver nitrate dressings and early physical therapy compared with results in patients with deep second degree, mixed second and third degree, and third degree hand burns treated with early excision and grafting. No patient with fourth degree burns had excellent to good results. Permanent damage was related to extent of original injury to the extensor tendons and joint capsules. On the basis of this broad experience, it is believed that all burned hands judged unlikely to heal within 3 weeks will benefit from early excision and grafting by experienced surgical personnel.     

Methods of burn treatment. Part II: Technical aspects]

The best treatment for burns and scalds depends on the depth of the skin necrosis. Epidermal and superficial dermal burn injuries (IIa) can heal spontaneously with conservative treatment without scar development, but deep dermal or full-thickness burns constitute an absolute indication for surgery. Full-thickness or split-thickness skin grafts are used for wound closure. In the case of extensive burn injuries allografts are used for temporary wound closure. In certain licensed laboratories autologous keratinocytes can be cultured for transplantation. In circumferential burn injuries affecting the extremities or the trunk the rigid eschar has to be incised to relieve the pressure behind it. Following a debridement conservative treatment of superficial dermal burns involving wound coverage with biosynthetic dressings or nanocristalline silver gauze dressings or use of special disinfecting ointments can be implemented.     

Observations of burn scars sustained by atomic bomb survivors; a preliminary study

A relatively high incidence of scar keloid and hypertrophic scar formation of a severe degree has occurred after healing of flash burns that probably were of deep second or third degree severity and in a people (Japanese), some of whom perhaps have a predisposition for the development of scar keloids. At this late date, the lack of complete, detailed, continuous studies and records on a large group of cases dating from the time of the occurrences of the injury and the large number of variables to be considered render impossible a complete evaluation and understanding of scar keloid formation. The inadequate treatment, poor nutrition, high incidence of severe infection and delayed healing should be considered as important contributing factors which affected the healing process to result in a high incidence of severe keloid or excessive scar formation. Scar keloids were found to occur in Japanese sustaining burns from other causes than the atomic bomb explosion. It would seem most probable that the scar keloids represent no peculiar effect of the atomic bomb explosion. Furthermore, it seems probable that a similar incidence of occurrence of scar keloids could have occurred in burns of the same severity from any other cause under similar conditions during the healing of the lesions in patients having the same general state of health.One gains the impression that the pathogenesis of keloids can be completely explained only by a better understanding of the detailed biophysical and biochemical processes which occur in the healing of skin lesions and how the initial conditions and possible later alterations in these steps influence the final result of the reparative process. Some individuals may be so constituted that they have a tendency to develop excessive amounts of scar tissue in the healing of wounds. The factors involved in the etiology of keloids are probably multiple.It is difficult to arrive at a differentiating working definition of scar keloids. It seems most probable that the differences between ordinary non-elevated scars, hypertrophic scars and scar keloids are only those of degree of amount of fibrous connective tissue produced during the healing process. From clinical data, histologic observations of various types of excised scars and reported experimental studies of the regeneration of skin in man, it would appear that the excess collagen production causing scar keloids and hypertrophic scars occurs when the lesion extends deep in the reticular layer of the dermis and, therefore, occurs usually in burns which extend to this depth initially, or later as a result of necrosis caused by infection or additional trauma. The necessity for early grafting of full thickness burns is again demonstrated. The necessity of preparation for the early care of burns in great numbers of casualties in the event of a catastrophe such as an atomic bombing of a populated area is obvious.