Recently, due to the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion, hospitals have been needing artificial dermis (commonly known as artificial skin) for treating burn patients. Human skin consists of 3 layers: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis from top to bottom, and it is also the largest organ in the human body. When the human skin suffers burns in an area too large for it to conduct self-repair, external materials, such as cadaveric skin or artificial skin, should be applied to aid tissue recovery. 

Artificial skin, primarily consisting of a silicon membrane and collagen from animals, can induce skin regeneration for patients with third-degree burns. The collagen is mainly extracted from the skin of pigs. When the raw materials of artificial skin undergo purification, the amino acid sequences that trigger immune system reactions in the human body are removed, enhancing the artificial skin’s biocompatibility with the human body and aids tissue recovery. The silicon membrane regulate vaporization rate with approximately the same efficiency as that of normal human skin. It also prevents bacterial infection and provides burn wound patients with an elastic, fitting cover. 

Both artificial and cadaveric skin can be used in the clinical treatment of burn patients. With both combined, we now have enough skin to treat all the burn injuries caused by the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion. Doctors will choose the most fitting treatment and provide the best medical care for all inpatients.