[Treatment of burns in childhood].

Management of burns in children depends above all on infusion therapy, i.e. replacement of the plasma, water and electrolytes of which the circulation and tissue have been deprived as a result of exudation into the wound area, increased evaporation of water, and edema. The inexperienced therapist tends to underestimate these losses in the case of children. In infants and older children with burns covering upwards of 5% and 10% respectively of body surface there is a danger of shock developing, with peripheral vasoconstriction, acidosis, cerebral edema and renal failure. Infusion therapy should therefore be instituted as early as possible. Fusidic acid has proved very valuable in topical treatment of burns in children. Concomitant antimicrobial treatment can be dispensed with in the majority of patients. Keloid overgrowths are now more effectively prevented by means of Lycra pressure dressings.