The Influence of Different “Skin Grafts” on the Evaporative Water Loss from Burns

Abstract

The influence on water evaporation from different kinds of burnt areas after covering these with biological and artificial membranes has been investigated, and their clinical application studied. Homograft and porcine graft skin resulted in an immediate reduction of evaporation of about 85% and took as autologous transplants and were then rejected some weeks later. Foetal membranes caused a minor reduction, but no take was observed, while plastic foil covering almost completely stopped the evaporation, but resulted in the collection of fluid between the membrane and the skin. Polypeptide laminate velour (artificial skin) transmitted large amounts of water vapour, but did not give as strong a local reaction as plastic foil. At present only homografts and some heterografts can be recommended for clinical use.