The stasis zone surrounds the coagulation zone. In the central areas of the burn wound, the coagulation zone, capillary circulation is blocked, and death of cells is observed. This injury initiates metabolic and molecular lesions that can lead to tissue necrosis and eschar formation. The definition of a burn wound is an injury to the integrity of the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by heat (flames, fluids, solid objects), extreme cold, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. The skin serves as an anatomical barrier against pathogens and protects internal organs from damage from the external environment, maintains a balance between the system and the environment by controlling evaporation, and plays a role in thermoregulation. Hydrogels are a new dressing type that are still in development. Numerous experiments on animal models proved their safety and efficiency. Active dressings may have antimicrobial activity or stimulate wound healing. The active forms may contain ammonium salts, nanocrystal silver, zinc, growth factor, cytokines, or cells, as well as natural agents, such as honey or herbs. The hydrogel matrix enables incorporating active substances into the dressing. Hydrogels are ideally used during the first hours after injury, but as they do not have antimicrobial properties per se, they might not prevent wound infection. They not only cool the burn wound, but also reduce pain and protect the wound area from contamination and further injuries. Hydrogels that contain mostly water evacuate the heat cumulating in the skin by evaporation. Hydrogel dressings may be an alternative to cooling burn wounds with streaming water, especially in cases of mass casualty events, lack of clean water, hypothermia, or large extent of burns. Inert hydrogels are of a great importance in burn first aid.
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