Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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In sub-Saharan Africa, burn and scald injuries occur more commonly in children aged less than five years, than in any other age group, and carry a high lifetime morbidity. The optimal first aid at the time of injury includes the use of cool running water, which can reduce pain, scarring, and skin grafting. Data on the types of first aid used in Malawi is lacking, as is an in-depth understanding of the underlying factors which may influence this health behaviour. This study sought to: (a) document the types of first aid after paediatric burn and scald injuries in Southern Malawi; and (b) explore factors affecting the choice of first aid used. ⋯ This study provides the largest description of first aid use in sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening the evidence that remedies aside from water are commonly used and that higher parental education levels do not translate to increased use of water, but rather use of alternative treatments. Our qualitative findings allow improved understanding of how first aid for paediatric burns is perceived in rural Malawi communities, providing insight as to why certain first aid choices are made and the possible barriers and facilitators to the adoption of water as a first aid treatment.
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Optimal management of palmar hand burns in children is controversial. We aimed to compare function and aesthetics of retroauricular full thickness skin grafts (FTSG) to plantar glabrous split thickness skin grafts (STSG). ⋯ Plantar glabrous STSG showed superior functional and aesthetic results when compared to FTSG in pediatric palmar hand burns. In addition, the "Zurich Move" is safe and provides uncomplicated donor site healing on the scalp and the foot allowing rapid restoration of full function.
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To determine if history of kidney transplant is an independent risk factor for increased incidence of wound infection and other morbidities in burn patients. ⋯ History of kidney transplant is an independent risk factor for increased incidence of wound infection in burn patients.