Burn ranks among the most serious and painful injuries. Most burns result from contact with burning materials, such as clothing. Burns can also be caused by electricity, chemicals, or hot liquids. Burns caused by hot liquids or hot steam are called scalds.
Burns can affect all of the body’s systems. A serious burn destroys much of the skin, which in turn causes the body to lose fluid. Loss of body fluids can cause a life-threatening condition called shock (see Shock ).
Classification of burns.
Burns are typically classified as first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree, depending on the depth of the burn and the degree of tissue damage. A first-degree burn, such as mild sunburn, affects only the surface layers of the skin. The burned area is red and tender. A second-degree burn affects deeper layers, causing blisters to form. Swelling also may occur. Many second-degree burns are caused by deep sunburn, contact with hot liquids or hot objects, or brief exposure to flames.
A third-degree burn penetrates all of the layers of the skin and affects the tissues underneath. The skin may appear white, very red, or even charred. Most victims have no feeling in the area of a third-degree burn because the burn destroys nerve endings.
First-aid care
is vital for a victim of almost any burn. Call for emergency medical help immediately if the burn affects breathing, involves the face or more than one part of the body, or produces blisters. Any large burn may cause shock. To reduce the effects of shock, the victim should rest in a horizontal position and be kept warm with a blanket.
Burns should be cooled immediately by flushing the burned area with cool water or by applying cool, wet towels until the pain subsides or professional help arrives. Cooling the burned area immediately can help prevent the burn from worsening. Burns can be loosely wrapped in a sterile bandage to help prevent infection and reduce pain until professional medical help is obtained.
Chemical burns should be flushed immediately with water for at least 20 minutes or until emergency medical assistance arrives. Have the victim remove any clothing or items such as glasses, goggles, or jewelry that have come in contact with the chemicals.
Electrical burns can cause tissue damage that is more often internal than external. Such burns can result in respiratory or heart failure. An ambulance should be called immediately for any victim of an electrical burn.
Advanced medical care
for burns includes restoring the body’s normal balance of fluids. Physicians fight infection by applying special compounds to burns that also promote healing. Most large third-degree burns do not heal naturally. They are treated by removing the destroyed skin and replacing it with skin grafts (see Skin grafting ).
Victims of severe burns receive physical therapy when muscles or other deep tissues are affected. Therapy also includes activities designed to ensure the victim’s emotional well-being.
