Question
A pediatric patient has suffered third-degree burns on the inner side of the thigh and perineum. After more than 20 days of treatment, some of the wounds have already healed naturally. In this case, can skin graft surgery be avoided and the healing process of the wounds be observed instead?
Answer
Third-degree burns are among the most severe types of burns, affecting the entire skin layer and potentially extending into subcutaneous tissue and muscles. Such wounds often leave scars to varying degrees upon healing. For pediatric patients with this condition, it is recommended to closely monitor the healing process of the wounds. If new tissue growth is observed after each dressing change and the wounds gradually shrink, skin graft surgery can be temporarily ruled out. However, if there is no significant improvement in wound healing after multiple dressing changes, it is important to discuss further treatment options with a doctor promptly.