A major burn is a devasting injury that requires pain treatment and a long peroid of rehababilitation. Burns can be fatal, permanetly disfiguring, and incapacitating, both emotionally and physically.
Thermal burns, the most common type, typically results from house fires, moter vehicle accidents, misuse of matches or a lighter, not storing gasoline properly, space heaters or electrical malfunctions and arson.
Other causes include improper handling of firecrackers, scalding accidents and kitchen accidents (like a child touching a hot stove).
Chemical burns result from the contact, ingestion, inhalation, or injection of acids, alkali, or vesicants. Electrical burns commonly occur after contact with faulty electrical wiring or highvoltage power lines, or when electric cords are chewed by young children.
Radiation burns are caused by ionizing radiation and include sunburns and radiotherapy burns. Friction, or abrasion, burns happen when the skin is rubbed against a coarse surface.
Burn severity is classified by depth of the injury.
Superficial burns (First-degree burns)
Superficial burns, also referred to as first-degree burns, cause localized injury to the skin (epidermis layer only) by direct (such as a chemical spill) or indirect (such as sunlight) contact. The barrier function of the skin remains intact, and these burns aren't life-threatening.
Superficial partial-thickness burns (Second-degree burns)
Superficial partial-thickness burns, also referred to as second-degree burns, involve destruction to the epidermis and some dermis. Thin walled, fluid-filled blisters develop within a few minutes.of the injury along with mild to mederate edema and pain. As these blisters break, the nerve endings become exposed to the air. Because pain and tactile response remains intact, subsequent treatments are very painful. The barrier function of the skin is lost.
Deep partial-thickness burns
Deep partial-thickness burns are a more severe second-degree burn that extends deeper into the demis. The skin appears mixed red or waxy white color. Blisters aren't usually present and edema usually develops. Sensation is decreased in the area of the burn.
Full-thickness burns (third-degree burns)
Full thickness burns, affect every body system and organ. A full-thickness burn extends through the epidermis and dermis into the subcutaneous tissue. Within hours, fluid and protein shift from capillary to interstitial spaces, causing edema. The immediate threat. Last, an increased calorie demand after the burn injury increases the metabolic rate.
Fourth-degree burns
Fourth-degree burns involve muscle, bone and interstitial tissue
Find skin creams and products specifically designed to treat and help heal different types of burns here.
Note: The information above is just is only for informational purposes only and is just a general reference guide. If you have an emergency call 911 directly or speak with your doctor immediately
Sources:
- Webmd.com
© 2013 Mountainside Medical Equipment. All rights reserved.
