The effects of topical vitamin C solution on the necrotic tissue volume of burn wounds

Background and Purpose: Vitamin C is administered orally or intravenously for the treatment of burn wounds. However, effects of the topical application of vitamin C remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of topical vitamin C solution on the necrotic tissue volume of second-degree burn wounds. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 30 patients with second-degree burns admitted to the burn unit of Vasee Hospital of Sabzevar, Iran. Burn wound areas were divided into two parts, receiving routine treatment with sulfadiazine ointment and vitamin C in addition to sulfadiazine. After cleaning the wounds, dressings were replaced daily. Depth of burn wounds in each area was observed to be similar. Burn wounds were examined on days one, three, seven and 14 after the burn incidents using Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20 using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: In patients of the experimental area, mean volume of necrotic tissue was1.033±0.182 at baseline, while it reached 1.233±0.430 on day 14 after the incident. In the control group, mean volume of necrotic tissue was 1.000±0.000 at baseline, while it increased to 1.700±0.794 on day 14 after the incident. On day 14, a significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups in this regard (P=0.018; f=5.982). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, topical administration of vitamin C could be largely effective in the treatment of second-degree burn wounds.