S Afr J Surg
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Much confusion about the management of the burn wound still exists in many a clinician's mind. This is an attempt to clarify the problem and create a better understanding of the importance of assessing the various depths of penetration of the thermal agent. ⋯ A 'critical depth' of penetration at the deep dermal level, which spares the acini of the sweat glands, is suggested as the factor initiating later development of hypertrophic scarring. This can be prevented by early excision and skin grafting.