Comprehensive Approach to Acute Hand Burns

It is very critical to handle Acute hand burns in a holistic manner. It accounts for almost 80% of involvement in all types of burns. Even small burns over the hand may result in severe limitations of the functions of the hand. Early initiation of physiotherapy, topical treatment, splinting, passive exercise, early excision and grafting are important treatment principles.

The author has studied the clinical profile and management outcome of acute hand burns in 50 patients in a Prospective study. The majority of the patients were 21 to 30 years (26%). The incidence of burns in females was found to be higher. Second-degree superficial burns were treated with daily dressing and splintage. Deep dermal burns were treated with daily dressing and split-thickness skin grafts. Collagen application was done in second-degree superficial burns for early presenters. Early excision and grafting were done in patients with second-degree deep burns with exclusive hand burns who presented early.

The hypertrophic scar was one of the most common complications followed by hypopigmented patches and hand contractures.

The outcome of acute hand burns depends upon the degree of burns, time interval and initiation of the treatment protocol.