Improving survival: infection control and burns.

In the past, survival of the thermally injured patient was greatly hindered by invasive infection that originated in the burn wound. Current treatment modalities, including early excision of the burn wound and prompt wound closure, administration of systemic antibiotics and topical antimicrobial agents, and mechanical isolation, have improved survival. However, infection and the sequelae of infection continue to be the leading causes of morbidity and mortality for the thermally injured patient. In addition, the burn patient remains highly susceptible to other infectious processes. A thorough understanding of infection control and burns are essential to the successful treatment of burn injuries.