A Clinical Study of Acute Hand Burns

Background: Hand is one of the most common part of the body involved in burns i.e. 80%. Even small burns in hand may result in severe limitations of function. Early initiation of physiotherapy, topical treatment, splintage, passive exercise, early excision and grafting in indicated cases are important treatment principles. Aims & Objectives: To study the clinical profile and management outcome of acute hand burns. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 50 patients of acute hand burns due to thermal burns (scald, flame) at Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College and Research Centre and SCL Hospital from January 2011 to December 2020 to study clinical profile and outcome. Results: A total 50 patients were included in our study. Majority of the patients were in 21 to 30 years 28%. Incidence of burns in females was found to be 68% and 24% in paediatric group. Second degree superficial burns were in 46% patients and treated with daily dressing and splintage. Deep dermal burns were in 34% patients and treated with daily dressing and split thickness skin graft. Collagen application was done in 14% patients with second degree superficial burns for early presenters. Early excision and grafting was done in 6% patients with second degree deep burns with exclusive hand burns who presented early. Hypertrophic scar accounts 20% of complications. Conclusion: Outcome of acute hand burns depends upon degree of burns, time interval and initiation of treatment protocol.