Comparison of Surgical Treatment versus Conservative Treatment in Management of HMA (Hot Melt Adhesive) Burn Injury

Kim, Dae Hyun; Kim, Kyung Sik

Abstract

PURPOSE
HMA (Hot melt adhesive) is a thermoplastic adhesive that is commonly used at glue guns. Nowadays, HMA burns are increasing because of increased consumption of D.I.Y (Do-it-yourself) products and field based experiential learning. Because of patients' lack of knowledge and character of HMA burn, many patients visit the hospital in late period with severe, deep degree burns. At this moment, early surgical intervention may help to shorten the therapeutic period. We planned this study to evaluate the effect of early surgical intervention on shortening the therapeutic period, compared with conservative management.
METHODS
This study conducted from April 1, 2013 to April 1, 2015. Thirty seven patients with deep burn wounds due to HMA, who underwent surgical or conservative management were enrolled. Operative group received more than one surgical management, and conservative group were treated by wound dressing. The effectiveness was evaluated by comparing the treatment period between two groups.
RESULTS
The average time of treatment was 23.9 day in operative group and 39.1 day in conservative group, and the result was statistically significant (P=0.027).
CONCLUSION
The result of this study suggests that surgical treatment and conservative treatment show significant difference in treatment of HMA burns. Therefore, surgical therapy may be considered as a proper choice for treating HMA burn injury patients.