Abstract
One of the objectives of this study is to propose a numerical model of thermal damage to the skin. This model simulates the propagation of a burn and suggests treatments to prevent it from spreading. In order to achieve this goal, we developed a 3D multi-layer finite elements model of the skin coupled to a model presenting hyperthermic damage. The numerical model of the skin not only takes account of the various layersŠ thermal properties, but also of blood perfusion and veins. The model of damage is based on a law of Arrhenius. We tested two various quick intervention treatments so as to prevent the burn from spreading. The first treatment consists in cooling the burned zone with a flow of cool water at 10oC, while the second solution simulates the apposition of ice on the burn. The results show that according to the severity of the burn the second treatment seems to be the most appropriate. Moreover, our model opens interesting prospects in the analysis of hyperthermic damage.