Evaporative Water Loss from Burns Under Different Environmental Conditions

Abstract

By measuring the evaporative water loss from burnt and unhurnt skin under different environmental conditions an attempt was made to evaluate the optimal conditions for exposure treatment of burns. Evaporation was greater in a warm (+32°C) than in a cool (+22°C) climate during the first 2 days. Later in <.hi: course no statistical difference was found b:tween the evaporative water loss in the two climates. The same results were obtained on comparing evaporation in a warm dry (25% RH) and in a warm humid (55% RH) climate; and only at the outset was the evaporative water loss higher when using warm dry air in the ward room. In extensive burns, sweating from the unburnt skin started at an ambient temperature of about + 38°C. The optimal conditions around the patient in exposure treatment of extensive burns are stated to be approximately +32°C and with low humidity of about 25% RH. A higher or lower temperature will be required depending on the extent of the burn.