A comparison of topical Phenytoin with Silverex in the treatment of superficial dermal burn wounds

Burn injuries constitute a major health problem causing considerable morbidity and mortality in Tanzania and around the world. It is a common surgical problem and leading cause of death (20% mortality) in our paediatric surgical ward (Morbidity/Mortality report 2000 — Muhimbili National Hospital). Mzezewa et al. reported an overall mortality of 22% in a three year study at the Harare Burn Units. Inappropriate treatment facilities lead to severe complications like wound infections and septicaemia, anaemia and contracture deformities resulting in prolonged hospitalization with enormous economic impact in medical cost and loss of time from school and work. Socio-economic factors contributing to increased incidence of burns especially in children include domestic accidents resulting from explosion of cheap kerosene stoves, poor architectural design of the kitchen in low-income families and cooking on open fires at floor level often in the open where children are playing.