Potential Benefits of Laser Treatment on Skin Blood Flow and Sweating in Burn Survivors

Laser Therapy on Burned Skin

The purpose of this study is to examine effects of laser therapy on blood flow and sweating responses in burn-injured skin.

This is a longitudinal study in which the effects of laser therapy on cutaneous vascular responses and sweating of the treated areas are assessed. Specifically, burn survivors who will undergo standard of care laser therapy to treat burn-related scars will perform whole-body heating and local heating procedures prior to the initiation of laser therapy, at an intermediate point during the laser therapy regimen, and upon conclusion of the laser therapy regimen.

For this pilot investigation a placebo will not be incorporated.

Primary outcome variables will be skin blood flow and sweating responses from skin treated with laser therapy and adjacent untreated/uninjured skin.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-65 years old
• Experience a severe burn injury that warrant laser therapy.
• Free of any significant underlying medical problems based upon a detailed medical history and physical exam

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known heart disease
• Other chronic medical conditions requiring regular medical therapy including cancer, diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia.
• Abnormality detected on routine screening suggestive of cardiac ischemia or previously undetected cardiac disease or resting left bundle branch block on screening electrocardiogram.
• Subject with a body mass index >35 kg/m2
• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the subsequent 6 months.