Tannic acid as a topical agent in burns: historical considerations and implications for new developments.

The usage of tannic acid (TA) as a topical agent in burns in the past and the present is described. Its introduction by Davidson in 1925 led to the widespread use of TA. The high infection risk during times of war and reports of liver damage after application of high doses of undefined TA mixtures brought discredit to the TA treatment. German and Chinese authors have been able to refute these claims and propagate a safe therapeutic regimen. Recent animal experimental and clinical investigations confirm the many advantages: pain reduction, rapid haemodynamic stabilization, delayed primary excision, early mobilization and good cosmetic results.