Prolonged intermittent hydrotherapy and early tangential excision in the treatment of an extensive strong alkali burn

It is well known that the first step in the treatment of L cutaneous strong alkali burn is very early and persistent washing of the site of injury wit h large volumes of water. However, ideal duration and the technique of hydr otherapy has not yet been established. Besides hydrotherapy, tangential exc ision of the injured skin might prevent further tissue damage if it is perf ormed early enough. We report the treatment of a 36-year-old male who susta ined 53% body surface area (BSA) cutaneous burn due to caustic soda (NaOH). Prolonged intermittent hydrotherapy. early tangential excision and autogra fting of the injured skin are the keys for the propel management of extensi ve strong alkali burn. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and ISBI. All rights r eserved.