New developments in burn management.

Recent understanding of the effects of topical antimicrobials on cells that heal the wound, the role of infection, and new understandings of the role of occlusive 'biological dressings' have resulted in a more rational treatment protocol for burn wounds. With improvements in the resuscitation and intensive management of severe burns, more patients survive the initial effects of the injury, resulting in developments to close a large burn wound, which include expanding the patient's own skin to cover those large areas.