High Voltage Electric Burn Injury to Scalp Managed with Phenytoin Dressing

Abstract

Phenytoin, an antiepileptic medicine was identified by Putnam and Merritt from Harvard Medical School and published in 1937, has also been documented for wound healing by accelerated epithelialization and increased connective tissue activity. 1 Though Phenytoin has also been used for superficial dermal burns, ulcers and diabetic wounds, there is paucity of data in its uses in burn wounds. We hereby present a case where phenytoin powder was used for secondary healing of a high voltage electric burn wound over the scalp with exposed calvarium.