Treatment of burns with zinc-tape. A study of local absorption of zinc in humans.

A report is given on local wound treatment in humans with adhesive zinc-tape. Measurements of the zinc content of the tape before and after treatment and in wound secretion and serum demonstrate that zinc is most likely absorbed into the granulation tissue and serum. The possible advantages of local absorption of zinc are discussed. The evaporative water losses through the tape have also been recorded. The fresh zinc-tape is almost impermeable to water. After 24 hours of burn treatment the evaporative water loss through the tape is similar to the water loss through a homograft.