The Scalp as a Donor Site in Pediatric Burns: Systematic Review and Management Algorithm Proposal

The systematic review concludes that the scalp is a safe and effective donor site for split-thickness skin grafts in pediatric burn patients, supported by evidence from 4 studies involving 417 children. The scalp's high density of hair follicles and rich vascular network enable rapid healing, with epithelialization occurring between 7 and 25 days. Early complications like folliculitis are more common in children with tightly curled hair, while late complications such as alopecia and hypertrophic scarring are rare. A management algorithm is proposed to optimize safety and standardize care, emphasizing the need for rigorous harvesting techniques. Despite promising outcomes, the review notes the need for larger, more diverse studies to strengthen the findings.