EPIDEMIOLOGY AND DOCUMENTATION OF BURNS IN CHILDHOOD

Between 1984 and 1989 70 out of 76 children, who underwent a primary inpatient treatment for thermal injury, had predominant second degree burns affecting 3 to 25% of body surface. Data of them, concerning epidemiology, first aid, run of inpatient and following outpatient therapy, were documented and summarised. All patients were physical examined and we judged functional and cosmetic results at least half a year after the injury. A uniform score allowed us a comparison of two different concepts of local therapy: closed treatment with impregnated gauze dressings vs. application of ointment (Flammacerium(R)). Kind of documentation and score are proved to be of advantage in estimating run and results of treatment.