Evaluation of exposure treatment of burns.

For purposes of comparison with the occlusive dressing method of treating burns, the exposure method was used in 30 cases-16 of first and second degree and 14 of third degree. Attempt was made to simulate the conditions which might be expected to prevail in mass treatment of burned patients-inadequate personnel and materials. Elaborate measures to immobilize burned areas were not employed. Healing of first and second degree burns was natural and the results satisfactory without further treatment. In third degree burns, skin grafting was necessary after the eschar was removed. Cracking of the eschar several days before time to remove it in some cases of third degree burns necessitated use of occlusive dressings in the last few days before skin grafting was done.The exposure method is considered valuable in circumstances in which saving of time, material and personnel is indicated. Generally it is not suitable for treatment of encircling burns of the trunk or extremities, since maintaining the integrity of the eschar is extremely difficult in such situations.