Topical treatment of standardized burns with a protein-free haemodialysate.

The utility of the protein-free haemodialysate Solcoseryl (HD) in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers and minor burns is well documented (Haigis et al., 1985). In this study the effects of HD ointment and HD gel on the healing of standardized deep partial thickness burns were investigated in rats. Treatment with HD-containing topical agents significantly reduced healing time (P less than or equal to 0.01) in comparison with non-treated controls; HD ointment and HD gel reduced relative healing rates by 20 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. Macroscopic and histological findings indicate that the effects of HD start in the early phase of the healing process (inflammatory/exudative), and that the entire healing process is improved.