INVESTIGATING ADVERSE EFFECTS OF COLD PLASMA IN TREATING SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE BURNS: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Objective: To describe the adverse effects of cold plasma therapy in treating burns. Method: A descriptive study was conducted, following 67 patients with second and third degree burns treated with cold plasma therapy for 10 seconds/cm2. The patients were monitored for pain, burning sensation, and itching during and after the treatment. Results: The study showed a significant decrease in pain among the patients, from 28.4% to 7.5% after treatment. Out of 298 treatments, 56.9% of the patients did not report any pain, while 40.1% reported mild pain, and only 2% reported moderate pain. There were no cases of severe burning sensation, and the sensation reduced significantly after the treatment. The patients reported a decrease in itching sensation after the treatment, with 88.1% reporting no itching. Only 1 patient (0.3%) reported mild itching sensation. Conclusion: Cold plasma therapy is a safe and effective treatment for burns with minimal adverse effects. The adverse effects such as pain, burning sensation, and itching were mild and significantly reduced after the treatment.