Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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A retrospective analysis, by survey, of the benefits of a support group and preference for its structure is presented. Psychosocial support after burn injury is identified as important and a support group is recommended as being routine in the aftercare for burns' patients.
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The thermographic assessment of burns using infrared imaging has previously been shown to be a useful aid in the estimation of burn depth. In this study, thermographic images of burns, obtained from 65 patients over a 4-year period, were reviewed. ⋯ A significant change in the temperature of deep burns was observed between days 2 and 3 after injury (chi-square, P < 0.01; Fisher exact probability test between days 2 and 3, P < 0.01). The results of this study suggest that thermography of burns, to assess depth, should be performed within 3 days following the injury.
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Axillary and groin contracture with limitation of abduction of the arm and leg are one of the most common complications of burns. In this paper we report the technique of using seven-flap plasty for treating axillary and groin scar contractures. The advantages of using this technique are that it does not need prolonged splinting and intense and painful physical therapy.
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Among domestic injuries in children, skin burns deserve special attention because they can lead to severe residual lesions. Their frequency has been reported to range from 3 to 8 per cent of all childhood injuries, but few epidemiological data have been collected in France. This study was undertaken to improve our knowledge of this public-health problem. ⋯ However, grafting was required in 35 per cent of patients. Epidemiological surveys provide objective information on hazardous agents and on the settings in which burns are most likely to occur. They are essential for the development of appropriate preventive strategies, which are still receiving insufficient emphasis in the European Economic Community (EEC).
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An unusual and perhaps the first epidemic of burns occurred between 15 February 1994 and mid April 1994 in four districts of the State of Rajasthan in India. The cause of this epidemic was the accidental mixing of petrol in kerosene oil which was inadvertently overlooked. This mixture of kerosene and petrol was used mainly by people of low-income groups for lighting lamps. ⋯ This indicates the need for renewed emphasis not only of the necessity of training general surgeons, nursing and paramedical staff at district level in the management of burns, but also of the need to manage these cases at district level. This idea needs serious consideration and sincere efforts to implement it at the national level. The paper has been split into two parts: epidemiological aspects and management of patients.