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UAE doctor awarded for breakthrough treatment of burns
Dr B Venkata Ratnam works as a plastic surgeon at NMC Speciality Hospital in Abu Dhabi

A UAE-based doctor has been awarded for his research into the treatment of serious burns, which could help simplify and quicken the healing process, reduce scarring, and lower the risk of infection.

Dr B Venkata Ratnam, a plastic surgeon from NMC Speciality Hospital in Abu Dhabi, was presented with the Apsicon2010 Research Award for the year 2014 at the 49th Annual Conference of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India.

It’s common to find these fluid-filled pockets – or ‘blebs’ – in first or second degree burns, but despite extensive medical research, the best treatment for these blisters is still much debated.

Historically, doctors and patients have feared that not removing the fluid may cause infection in the burn wound, so they are usually treated by puncturing and draining their fluid, or by completely removing them.

This is a painful procedure and it also means a closed wound is turned back into an open wound – a process which opens the wound back up and could in fact increase, not reduce, the chances of wound infection.

However, some recent publications indicate that the blisters are not only helpful to the healing of burn wounds, but they can also improve the healing process of the underlying skin by acting as a natural band aid.

Interested by this alternative approach, Dr Ratnam analysed the treatment of 122 burns victims over a number years, comparing the outcomes of patients whose blisters were burst and drained, and those whose blisters were left alone.

He found that:

· Leaving blisters in burn wounds alone is safe

· Healing is faster and qualitatively superior in areas protected by blistered skin, in terms of subsequent scarring and colour changes

· Leaving blisters alone removes the painful draining process from the treatment program

· Leaving blisters alone simplifies burn wound care

These findings are especially useful while treating burns in children or patients who are excessively afraid of pain during burn care.

This scientific breakthrough has the potential to change future treatment of burn wounds across the world, as well as put the UAE on the map for pioneering medical research.

Fact box

Burns are common accidents in our day to day lives.

They are caused by heat, cold, electricity or chemicals.

Heat burns from fluid, flames or hot objects are the most common.

Minor burns, which affect small areas of skin are most likely to occur at home or work.

Minor burns usually affect the top layers of skin and are known as first or second degree burns.

They usually appear red or white, and may be open or closed wounds. These types of burns heal without surgery and leave only a faint scar.

Top three tips

Run burned skin under cold running water immediately after injury

Do not apply ice to a wound

Elevate the affected area if possible