Burn wound management.

Management of a burn wound is interrelated with many patient care protocols. After the patient has received initial care, is in stable condition, and has been transported to the appropriate medical facility, the selection of burn wound treatment protocols is based on patient population. Hydrotherapy, debridement, topical antimicrobial agents, and dressings reduce bacterial colonization until the wound closes. Supportive care is essential to the preservation of viable tissue. Excision and autografting are the primary method of wound management. The practical application of cultured autograft and growth factors is under study.