The use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene gloves for care of upper-extremity burns.

The combination of a glove made of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane-based laminate and silver sulfadiazine cream was evaluated as a treatment for burned hands. Eight patients who had burns averaging 25% total body surface area and who had 11 extensive partial thickness hand burns (2% total body surface area) were treated with an average of 17 gloves over 9 days. The burn wounds healed with no unusual or unexpected outcomes. Nurses and therapists agreed that dressing changes were quick and easy and that the gloves provided greater range of motion and function in the hands. Patients also expressed a preference for this method of treatment.