Abstract This paper explains the demand for substitute skin is because (1) the loss of significant amounts of this layer can result in functional morbidity or death and (2) the many burn injuries and dermatological disorders such as chronic skin ulcers and nevi excision, which require substitute skin. The author points out that, to design a skin substitute, it is necessary to replace both the dermal and epidermal layers because the dermal layer cannot spontaneously regenerate in humans and the epidermal layer is needed as protection for underlying dermis. The paper relates that the three main types of temporary skin substitutes, which are used for coverage of wounds that do not completely eliminate the dermis or for areas where skin is being removed as a donor site, are allograft, synthetic, and bio-synthetic; whereas, the two main types of permanent skin replacements are bio-synthetic and biologic, but many of the newer types of artificial skin being developed are a combination of both categories.
From the Paper "The basic design criteria specified by Yannas and Burke have become standards used to fabricate new skin alternatives. These criteria utilize two separate stages of design. The initial stage involves keeping bacteria out of the body and retaining water within the body [9]. Once these goals have been met, a second long-term stage involves improvement of cosmetic appearance and tissue scarring, minimizing contracture of the skin, and anchoring to the underlying tissue [9]. In addition, it is assumed that the skin is non-toxic. Researchers have added several more goals to the design criteria since the original publication by Yannas and Burke. These goals are to make the artificial skin easy to store and use and to produce it inexpensively [7] as well as reducing heat loss and pain in the area and providing a hypoxic area wherein wound healing would occur faster."
Abstract The goal of this study is to refine our current understanding of how nutritional supplements can effect wound healing, in general, and pressure ulcers, in particular. This research paper will explore the healing rates of pressure ulcers in patients who have been given multivitamin supplements alone, multivitamin supplements with Arginine, or supplements of 500 mg Vitamin C BID and 50 mg zinc. This paper hypothesizes that healing rates of Stage II and III pressure ulcers are similar in patients receiving multivitamin supplements alone or patients receiving 500 mg Vitamin C BID and 50 mg zinc and improved in patients receiving arginine supplements.
Contents
Background
Pressure Ulcers and Wound Healing
Vitamin C
Zinc
Multivitamins
Arginine
Summary
From the Paper "Pressure ulcers are a common problem among patients in acute and long-term care facilities. Pressure ulcers can vary significantly in severity and condition. According to Agency for Health Care Policy and Research guidelines, stage II pressure ulcers consist of "Partial thickness skin loss involving epidermis, dermis or both (e.g., abrasion, blister, or shallow crater)" (Folkedahl, Frantz & Goode). Stage III pressure ulcers consist of wounds that involve skin loss of full thickness that may extend to underlying fascia, but not through the fascia. Clinically, a stage III pressure ulcer presents as a deep crater that may or may not undermine adjacent tissue (Folkedahl, Frantz & Goode)."
Abstract This paper explains that even brief heat of more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, when applied to the skin, will cause damage to the cells in that skin. The author points out that, at the time the skin receptors signal the brain that a burn has occurred, the hand instinctively draws back from the source of the heat and the muscles in the hand contract upon realizing an injury has occurred. The paper relates that the spinal column and the brain act as the control center for the entire body sending and receiving signals from the control center to different areas of the body.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Scenario
Overview of Burns as per Medical Classification
The Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin
Figure: Skin's Anatomy and Function
The Epidermis and Dermis Skin Hot and Cold Receptors
Figure: Flowchart for Body and Brain Process at the Time Hand is Burned on Stove
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "In the case of a third degree burn the full layers of skin are affected and will appear white or charred and very deep burns will leave bones and muscles exposed needing specialized treatment and possibly grafting of skin to prevent scarring. These are the three burn types that might be dealt with in this scenario however only in some extreme accidental hand on the stove scenario would a third degree or even second degree burn be applicable."
