Use of Poloxamer 188 Dressing in the Treatment of Facial and Scalp Burns in Pediatric Patients: A Case Series

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of dressings with a surfactant component in the treatment of facial and scalp burns in pediatric patients and their progression in the epithelization process. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective observational study analyzing patients treated in our unit from September to December 2024. Pediatric patients with superficial and deep second-degree facial burns were included, and a Poloxamer 188-based dressing (PluroGel©; Medline Industries, Northfield, IL, US) was applied until complete epithelialization of the lesions. RESULTS: Seven pediatric patients with second-degree facial and/or scalp burns were treated with a Poloxamer 188-based dressing. The mean epithelialization time was 11.9 ± 3.3 days. Superficial burns healed faster (9.5 ± 4.9 days) than mixed-depth burns (12.8 ± 2.6 days). No adverse reactions or infections were observed. Verbal patients described the application as pleasant and reported reduced pruritus. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a Poloxamer 188-based dressing in pediatric facial and scalp burns was well tolerated and associated with favorable healing in anatomically sensitive areas. Its thermoresponsive micellar properties support atraumatic wound management and timely epithelialization.