The 2024 consensus on the treatment of second-degree burns was released, setting a new standard for burn care

Chinese Medical Association Burns Branch and Cross-Strait Medical Exchange Association jointly released evidence-based guidelines

In the field of burn treatment, a new consensus provides important guidance for the standardized treatment of second-degree burns. On January 30, 2024, researchers from the Chinese Medical Association's Burns Branch and the Cross-Strait Medical Exchange Association published the "2024 Consensus on the Treatment of Second-Degree Burns" in the journal Burns and Trauma, providing a comprehensive set of treatment recommendations for medical professionals.

Second-degree burns are difficult to treat due to their diversity in-depth and healing potential. Traditional treatments have variable effectiveness due to a lack of standardization, and treatment decisions are complicated by factors such as burn location, patient age, and burn severity.

The new consensus introduces a groundbreaking method of subdividing second-degree burns into superficial second-degree, superficial deep second-degree, and deep second-degree to develop more precise treatment strategies. It emphasizes the importance of pre-hospital emergency care, such as immediate removal from heat sources and adequate cooling, as well as the use of non-contact diagnostic technology to assess burn depth. The consensus also recommends the use of non-surgical treatments such as biological dressings and enzymatic debridement and sets standards for the diagnosis and grading of burn wound infections.

Dr. Shizhao Ji, a researcher in the field of burn treatment, commented: "The 2024 consensus represents a major advancement in the field of burn treatment. By standardizing treatment protocols and incorporating evidence-based practices, we can ensure more consistent and better outcomes for patients with second-degree burns. This guideline will become an important tool for clinicians around the world to improve the quality of care and recovery for burn patients."

Implementation of these guidelines is expected to revolutionize the way burns are treated, improving patient outcomes through clear, evidence-based recommendations. Standardization will facilitate consistent data collection and research, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the quality of life for patients with burns. Consensus updates will continue to refine and strengthen global burn care practices.