The treatment of burns and wounds by the envelope method

Abstract

Inivestigations into an improved form of dressing for burns and wounds are described. The reasons for considering electrolytic sodium hypochlorite to be the best antiseptic to use are outlined. The method of irrigating burns and wounds with this antiseptic, and dressing with coated silk envelopes which do not need daily changing and which shield raw areas from exposure to air and secondary infection, is described. Burns and woun Is covered with coated silk envelopes and irrigated with the appropriate concentration of sodium hypochlorite solution heal rapidly and painlessly, with the maximum preservation of function. The disadvantage of the painful daily changing of dressings is eliminated. The envelope (Iressing can be combined with plastering or splinting in cases of fracture, and ulcerations of all kinds may be treated with advantage. Five of the 200 cases treated by this method are described in detail. Results are given of the treatment of burns on various parts of the body. The advantages of this method of dressing for use during active service are emphasized. © 1941, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.