Development of formulation for burns: analgesia, infection control and healing

Abstract

Burns present varying levels of tissue loss, leading to impairment of skin's functional integrity. Clinically, burns are classified in first, second and third degree lesions, according to the depth of tissue involvement. Adequate management of these lesions, mainly with the use of topical antimicrobial therapy, is of fundamental importance to avoid complications and to improve the survival of these patients. In this context, the development of efficient drug delivery systems can improve existing treatments, increasing actives applicability. Together with antimicrobial properties, these formulations should take into account pain relief and functional and aesthetic effects, enhancing patient comfort. Therefore, the present project intends to develop a topical pharmaceutical product for use in burns, aiming at prevention and treatment of microbiological contaminations, pain relief and a more efficient healing with better aesthetic effect. For this, nanoparticulate delivery systems will be developed and incorporated into topical formulations that are more convenient and comfortable for patients, such as suspensions and gels. (AU)