Burns are a type of painful wound caused by thermal, electrical, chemical, or electromagnetic energy. Smoking and open flame are the leading causes of burn injury for older adults. Scalding is the leading cause of burn injury for children. Both infants and the older adults are at the greatest risk for burn injury. Show
What are the different types of burns?There are many types of burns caused by thermal, radiation, chemical, or electrical contact.
The skin and its functionsThe skin is the largest organ of the body and has many important functions. It is made up of several layers, with each layer having a specific functions:
In addition to serving as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection, the skin also:
What are the classifications of burns?Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severely they penetrate the skin's surface.
Burns that are more severe and extensive need specialized treatment. Because the age of a burn victim and the percentage of the body's surface area that has been burned are the most important factors affecting the outlook of a burn injury, the American Burn Association recommends that burn patients who meet the following criteria should be treated at a specialized burn center:
The effects of burnsA severe burn can be a seriously devastating injury -- not only physically but emotionally. It can affect not only the burn victim, but the entire family. Persons with severe burns may be left with a loss of certain physical abilities, including loss of limb(s), disfigurement, loss of mobility, scarring, and recurrent infections because the burned skin has decreased ability to fight infection. In addition, severe burns can penetrate deep skin layers, causing muscle or tissue damage that may affect every system of the body. Burns can also cause emotional problems such as depression, nightmares, or flashbacks from the traumatizing event. The loss of a friend or family member and possessions in the fire may add grief to the emotional impact of a burn. The burn rehabilitation teamBecause so many functions and systems of the body can be affected by severe burns, the need for rehabilitation becomes even more crucial. Many hospitals have a specialized burn unit or center and some facilities are designated solely for the rehabilitation of burn patients. Burn patients need the highly specialized services of medical professionals who work together on a multidisciplinary team, including the following:
The burn rehabilitation programBurn rehabilitation starts during the acute treatment phase and may last days to months to years, depending on the extent of the burn. Rehabilitation is designed to meet each patient's specific needs; therefore, each program is different. The goals of a burn rehabilitation program include helping the patient return to the highest level of function and independence possible, while improving the overall quality of life -- physically, emotionally, and socially. To help reach these goals, burn rehabilitation programs may include the following:
Advances in the understanding and treatment of burns, state-of-the-art burn units and facilities, comprehensive burn rehabilitation services, and integrated medical care have all contributed to the increase in the survival rate and recovery of burn patients. What is a subcutaneous burn?Third-degree (full thickness) burns.
Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. They may go into the innermost layer of skin, the subcutaneous tissue. The burn site may look white or blackened and charred.
Which depth of burns goes down to the subcutaneous layer?For a comparison of the two classification systems, see the table below. When the epidermis and dermis are both destroyed and the burn extends down into the subcutaneous tissue, including fat, muscles and even bones, this is referred to as a full-thickness burn (third- and fourth degree burn).
What layer does 2nd degree burn affect?Second-degree burns (also known as partial thickness burns) involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
What layer does 1st Degree burn affect?First-degree (superficial) burns
First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually involves an increase or decrease in the skin color.
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