The eventual depth of tissue necrosis after burning is not immediately apparent. In all burn wounds, there exists a zone of stasis which shows progressive microvascular deterioration. These progressive changes have been prevented by methylprednisolone acetate, indomethacin, and ASA. All of these agents are known to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. These data suggest that prostaglandins have a role in the progressive dermal ischemia after thermal trauma and that their effect can be prevented by specific antiprostaglandins.