Role of burn blister fluid in wound healing

Abstract

Blisters are characteristic finding of second-degree superficial burns. Varied opinions for the management of burn blisters are available in literature. Most accepted one is to puncture it in a sterile way, keep the overlying skin as a biological cover, and over that put a moist sterile biological dressing. Fluid in the blister is ultrafiltrate of the plasma, which is rich in proteins such as immunoglobulins, various cytokines, prostaglandins, and interleukins. This fluid is pro-inflammatory, and the evidence regarding its effect on wound healing is varied. Instead of drainage, the burn blister fluid can be aspirated and immediately sprayed over the other areas of the same wound. We found this method feasible as an adjuvant therapy for second-degree superficial burn wounds. In this case report, we share our experience of the same.

Keywords

• burn blister fluid
• second-degree superficial burns
• wound healing