Use of skin substitutes in pediatric patients.

There are various artificial skin substitutes available commercially. The authors have used Integra, cultured epithelium, and Apligraf in their clinic. In the present report, they present their experiences based on two case reports. The first patient was a 12-year-old boy with widespread skin defects and left axillary contracture due to epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Apligraf was used to cover the skin defects on the trunk and face and to manage ectropion and axillary contracture. The second patient was a 6-year-old boy who suffered neurocutaneous melanosis. Partial excision of a pigmented lesion on the back created a large defect. Integra application followed by repair with cultured autologous skin was accomplished, and the results were satisfactory. Skin substitute products 1) are commercially immediately available; 2) are effective for management of contractures, chronic wounds, and chronic skin illnesses; 3) decrease or avoid the risk of donor area morbidity, which is more difficult to treat in children; 4) provide long-term coverage of the wound; and 5) can be used in conjunction with autologous tissue (e.g., Integra followed by cultured epithelium applications).