Tilapia skin-based occlusive dressings for deep burns

Abstract

Burns constitute one of the most serious health problems nowadays, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that this problem causes approximately 180,000 deaths per year in developing countries; due to the devitalization of tissues in the most severe types of burns, a great number of exudates is produced and consequently proliferation of microorganisms, that is why wet therapy with the use of occlusive dres- sings is recommended. However, although there is a large number of occlusive dressings on the market, these are very expensive, so alternatives have been sought that have equally or more e ective results and at lower costs. After researching the subject, tilapia skin was found as an alternative in the treatment of deep burns due to its high collagen content and its adherence to the skin tissue. e aim of this bibliogra- phic review is to present the method and advantages of using tilapia skin in the treatment and recovery of patients with deep burns. e use of dressings based on tilapia skin is projected as an ingenious and innovative technique in terms of biomaterials and this accelerates the healing process of burns, allows a considerable reduction of pain, as well as a more aesthetic result in the skin of patients