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Method: The standard treatment for second degree burns both superficial and deep is labor intensive, causes pain, maceration, prolonged healing, possible infection, may require an inpatient stay for intravenous medication for pain relief as well as include an oral pain medication regimen. A new modality for second degree burns using a highly absorbent bacteriostatic foam impregnated with Methylene Blue and Gentian Violet was implemented for treatment.
Results: The patient was discharged with a 5% TBSA first and second degree burns. Within the next 36 hours his burn progressed to 30% TBSA with open and intact blisters noted. The patient was utilizing the standard treatment with the supplies given to him by the hospital staff. His pain escalated to 10+ on a 0-10 scale. A trained Burn Nurse assessed the patient at home and developed a treatment plan. The treatment included a shower, emollient applied to intact, superficial second degree burned skin and a highly absorbent Methylene Blue and Gentian Violet impregnated foam to open, intact blisters, and debrided skin with mild compression. Pain decreased to 0-2 on a 0-10 pain scale, no infection, minimal to no pain medication for dressing changes observed, no in-patient stay required, nutritional statues maintained, psychologically benefited from the ability to stay home, dressing changes decreased from day 4-6 with the use of Methylene Blue and Gentian Violet impregnated foam and mild compression. The patient healed in six days.
Conclusion: The use of a highly absorbent foam impregnated with Methylene Blue and Gentian Violet provided pain relief, comfort, decreased dressing changes, and a healing environment. The dressings coupled with compression allowed this 30% TBSA second degree burn patient to heal within six days without complications. The dressing may be highly effective for use with second degree superficial and deep burns.