Successful management of superficial and deep partial-thickness burns in hand with application of Suprathel: case report

Abstract

Burns are tissue lesions caused by thermal, electrical, chemical or radiation agents that generate skin destruction proportional to the intensity and duration of exposure. They are classified as superficial, partial thickness and total thickness, which determines the prognosis and therapeutic strategy. The most frequent cause worldwide is thermal (flame and scalding), followed by electrical and chemical injuries, the latter associated with greater destruction of deep tissue and systemic risk. Burns cause approximately 180,000 deaths annually and millions of cases require medical attention. Suprathel is a biosynthetic epidermal substitute for polylactic acid indicated in partial thickness burns and donor sites. Recent studies demonstrate re-epithelialization comparable to other advanced dressings, less pain, and adequate long-term scar quality. Objective: To describe the clinical course and therapeutic outcomes of a patient with deep pacial thickness burn managed with the biosynthetic epidermal substitute Suprathel. A 28-year-old male patient, with no relevant pathological history, presented thermal burns resulting from direct exposure to a gas vent device that identified superficial and deep second-degree burns on the back, palm, and fingers. It was decided to use Suprathel® as an epidermal substitute and the patient showed a 90% improvement, with no functional sequelae or significant aesthetic alterations. The use of biosynthetic epidermal substitutes such as Suprathel has shown significant benefits in partial-thickness burns, providing a moist environment that facilitates re-epithelialization without the need for frequent dress changes.