ABSTRACT
A prospective, controlled clinical trial was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of two types of silicone gel, Silastic Gel Sheeting (SGS) and Cica-Care (CC), in the management of hypertrophic scars. Forty-two patients were randomly assigned to SGS and CC groups and their hypertrophic scars were divided into treated and control areas. Extensometric measurements were made at monthly intervals for 6 months and significant improvement of the treated areas relative to the control areas was observed. The two gels were not significantly different in efficacy or safety, but CC, being more adhesive and more comfortable than SGS, has advantages in ease of use and patient acceptability.
Subject(s)
Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/therapy , Silicone Elastomers/administration & dosage , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/pathology , Female , Gels , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
A study of burn injuries in one burns unit showed that many of the patients did not receive effective first aid. Seventy-one patients were asked about the first aid they had received at the time of injury. The results were disappointing: fewer than half the patients had had cold water applied to the injured area at the time of the accident. Cold water is usually available; it is a simple and effective measure and has the twofold effect of lessening both pain and the depth of tissue injury. Children injured at home received better first aid than adults injured either at home or in the workplace. This study indicated that better education and more precise information is required if burn-injured patients are to receive appropriate care at the time of injury.
ABSTRACT
A preliminary report of a trial of Silastic gel in the treatment of patients with hypertrophic bum scars.
ABSTRACT
The causes of serious domestic scald injuries in Birmingham were studied for one year. Seventy-eight people sustained such scalds, 11 adults and 67 children. Only 51 of the patients received satisfactory first aid. Most accidents could have been avoided and the severity of the injury would have been less if appropriate first aid had been given.
