Burns
Quick Reference
Two million people suffer burns each year in the United States. Burns are the nation's third leading cause of accidental death.
Detailed Description
Specialists diagnose burns according to the thickness of the burn through the skin. A first-degree burn occurs when the top layer of skin, called the epidermis, is burned. Second-degree burns, or partial thickness burns, occurs when the burn penetrates beyond the superficial epidermis and burns through the dermis. A third-degree burn, or a full-thickness burn, burns completely through the dermis, and may burn through the underlying flesh and bones.
The kind of treatment a burn requires depends on the layers of skin and flesh that are burned.
First-degree burns appear red or pink in color, and may be mildly swollen. The skin feels raw and tender. Sunburn is the most common kind of first-degree burn.
First-degree burns are considered to be the least harmful of burn injuries. Typically, complete recovery occurs within four to five days, and skin heals without scarring.
Second-degree burns turn the skin bright red. The skin can also appear blistered, swollen and moist in appearance. Blisters are the distinguishing characteristic of second-degree burns. Second-degree burns are extremely painful.
A large degree of variation exists with partial thickness burns. Mild second-degree burns are much like first-degree burns, and require similar treatment. More serious second-degree burns require similar treatment to third-degree burns. A deep second-degree burn can cause permanent scars.
The following types of burns can result in first or second-degree burns:
- -thermal burns, or burns caused by heat or flames
- -contact burns, burns caused by a hot surface like an iron, light bulb or muffler tail pipe
- -scald, a burn caused by hot water, grease or radiator fluid
- -sunburn
Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. They may also destroy fat cells, nerve tissue and muscles. Third-degree burns are dry, leathery and appear dark brown, black, or a dry white. If nerve tissue is damaged, a patient with third-degree burns may feel no pain at all.
Treatment
Treatment for burns depends on the depth of the burn and the damage to the tissue. Burns wounds need to be monitored very carefully and treated by a burn center or a doctor that specializes in wound management. Immediate care of burns wounds is very important. Improper treatment can lead to infection, prolonged duration of the wound, or shock.Immediate Care for a first-degree burn includes:
- -Place the burned area of skin under cool running water for 5 to 10 minutes. As a second choice, cover the area with a cool compress or towel. Never treat a burn with ice.
- -Drink lots of fluids; burns are dehydrating.
- -If necessary, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and swelling.
- -Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or a cool cloth.
Immediate care for a second-degree burn includes:
- -Call 911.
- -Do not break or drain blisters.
- -If skin is stuck to clothing, leave it that way.
- -Place the burned area of skin under cool running water for 5 to 10 minutes. As a second choice, cover the area with a cool compress or towel. Never treat a burn with ice.
- -Once immersed in cool water, carefully remove clothing.
- -Pat area dry with a clean towel.
- -Evaluate the victim for signs of shock, and treat accordingly.
- -If possible, elevate burned area.
- -Keep burned areas clean to prevent infection. Do not apply ointment, lotion, baking soda, butter, or cream.
Immediate care for a third-degree burn includes:
- -Call 911.
- -Do not apply ice, cold water, or compresses.
- -Cover the burned area with a clean dry sheet.
- -Monitor vital signs and perform CPR, if necessary.
Long term care for burns wounds involves the management of a wound care specialist or burn clinic. A burn specialist will use a variety of techniques to promote wound healing, which include keeping the wound bed moist, promoting growth of new tissue, and debriding necrotic tissue.
A variety of technological advances in wound healing, from growth factors to skin substitute are currently available in the United States and are increasing the ability of burn patients to recover from burn injuries.
Last updated: 28-Nov-00
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