Artifical skin. II. Pluronic F‐127 silver nitrate or silver lactate gel in the treatment of thermal burns

Abstract Pluronic F‐127 was found to be an effective base for the bactriocidal agent silver nitrate or silver lactate following 18–22% surface area full thickness thermal burns. Some protection was afforded by Pluronic F‐127 alone, attesting to its biological activity as an artificial skin. The bacteriocidal agents, however, further enhanced the effectiveness of the dressing as an artificial skin. No inhibition of skin growth and repair was noted and the dressing was equally effective against Psuedomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis. Indication that natural defense mechanisms in addition to surface infection needs attention was also noted. Conclusion was reached that Pluronic F‐127 is an ideal base for bacteriocidal agents in the treatment of full thickness thermal wounds. In addition, the Pluronic F‐127 dressing with silver nitrate or silver lactate showed promise as an effective biological artificial skin against electrolyte imbalance, heat loss, and bacterial invasion.