How Are Burns Treated?

Minor, first degree burns usually do not require extensive treatment; the skin heals itself. Very severe burns, both second and third degree do need treatment because, when the skin is damaged, a massive amount of fluid is lost from the body and the affected person can go into shock and die.

Burns have been very difficult to treat in the past ~ 20 years ago the main treatment was a skin graft taken from another part of the person's body. This was difficult, requiring operations and scarring occurred in the burned area and in the area from which the graft was taken. In the 1990s, scientists worked out how to culture skin artificially and human skin grown in this way revolutionised burns treatment.

Today, pioneers have developed 'spray on skin', artificial skin made of cultured cells that can be applied at an accident scene, even before the person gets to hospital. This helps to lessen the impact of the burn and aids survival.