Infection Control in Burns Prof. (Dr.) - Health Asia

Although there is ample evidence that systemic
antibiotics fail to reach burn wound, it is
documented that streptococcal infection can be
prevented by penicillin administration. It should be
continued for period of 48-72 hours and then
stopped to reduce the chances of emergence of
resistant organisms.
Later in the clinical course systemic antibiotics are
of little use to burn wound as the vascular changes
of full thickness burn and with the local occlusion of
small blood vessels prevent the adequate delivery of
potent systemic antibiotics to the foci of bacterial
growth.