Increased wound pH as an indicator of local wound infection in second degree burns

• We measured the pH of the exudates from second degree burns in 26 cases using pH indicator strips.
• Among these, local burn wound infection developed in 6 cases (Staphylococcus aureus in 2 cases and Staphylococcus epidermidis in 4 cases).
• In cases of local infection, the pH rose prior to the onset of clinical signs of local burn infection.
• In the non-infected cases, the pH decreased along with epithelialization.
• This measurement is very easy and results are available immediately and is considered to be a useful indicator in the treatment of second degree burns.

Wound pH affects a number of important factors in wound healing. It is known that the pH of the skin surface of healthy adults and children is 4.2–5.6 and that it decreases with the lapse of epithelialization. We measured the pH of the exudates from second degree burns in 26 cases. Among these, local burn wound infection developed in 6 cases. The causative organisms were Staphylococcus aureus in 2 cases and Staphylococcus epidermidis in 4 cases. The maximum pH value measured was 10.0 and the minimum was 5.0 for all samples. There were no differences in the initial measurements of pH between the non-infected cases and the local-infected cases. In cases of local infection, the pH rose prior to the onset of clinical signs of local burn infection. By consecutive measurement of pH, early detection of local wound infection can be achieved and this is very beneficial in clinical practice. Moreover, measurement is very easy and results are available immediately. In conclusion, consecutive pH measurement of exudates is considered to be a useful indicator in the treatment of second degree burns.