Science of Conflict
Reconstructive surgery -skin grafts.

 
In 2002 a terrorist bomb exploded in a Bali nightclub and hundreds of victims suffered horrific burns. Many victims were treated at Royal Perth Hospital in Western Australia by Dr Fiona Woods. Woods pioneered a skin solution that is sprayed on to the damaged area called CellSpray. CellSpray is made from the person's own skin. Epidermal cells from healthy skin are cultivated and grown in a laboratory. In just 4 weeks enough skin can be grown to cover the entire body.

 
Previous methods included growing a skin graft with holes as shown on the right. This graft was then stretched over the burnt area where new cells grew to fill in the gaps.

 
Cells may also be sprayed to fill in the gaps in the skin graft. This may prove to increase the rate of recovery with fewer side effects.

Read about the structure of the skin then attempt the following questions.
Soldiers who have suffered severe burns to most of their skin will usually die.

Define the following terms:
- first degree burn.
- third degree burn.

What symptoms would a soldier experience if he has suffered burns to more than 60% of his body? Discuss this under the following headings:
- Heat loss;
- Infection;
- Water loss.

A third degree burn involves damage to the epidermis and the dermis. The following actions are common after such a burn. The patient is given:
- intravenous fluids containing electrolytes:
- antibiotics by intravenous or by mouth;
- antibiotic ointments or creams;
- a warm, humid environment for the burn;
- pain medications;
- skin grafting.
Why is skin grafting necessary for such a burn and why can the skin not regenerate itself?
Why is it important for the patient to be given intravenous fluids?
Why are antibiotics given as an ointment as well as orally?

First and second degree burns involve damage to the epidermis and appear red with some blistering and are often painful. Why are the more severe third degree burns not as painful?
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