BURNS

 Basic information

description

A burn is an injury to the skin from contact with heat, radiation, electricity, sunlight, or chemicals. Sometimes internal organs may also be injured. The risk of damage is greatest with infants and young children.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Thin or superficial burns (1st-degree burns) are limited to the upper skin layer. They cause redness, tenderness, pain, and swelling.
• Partial thickness burns (2nd-degree burns) affect deeper skin layers. Symptoms are more severe and usually include blisters.
• Full thickness burns (3rd-degree burns) involve all skin layers. Skin is white and appears cooked. There may be no pain in the initial stages.

causes

• Rise in skin temperature from heat sources such as fire, steam, or electricity. Open flame and hot liquid are the most common causes.
• Tissue injury caused by chemicals or radiation, including sunlight.
• Lightning strikes can cause internal burns with few external signs.

risk increases with

• Stress, carelessness, smoking in bed, or excess alcohol use. All of these make accidents more likely.
• Jobs involving exposure to heat or radiation. This includes firefighting, police work, or factory work.
• Faulty electrical wiring.
• Hot water heaters set too high.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Fireproof your home. Install smoke alarms. Plan emergency exits and have regular fire drills.
• Wear protective gear around heat or radiation.
• Don't touch uncovered electric wires.
• Teach children safety rules for matches, fires, electrical outlets, cords, and stoves.
• Use extension cords only when necessary.
• If you have small children, put safety covers on outlets. Get rid of frayed cords.
• Buy flame-resistant sleepwear for children.
• Use sunscreen. Find safe shelter if in lightning storm.

expected outcomes

Most persons recover if the burns affect less than 50% of the body's surface. With less severe burns, skin usually heals in 1 to 3 weeks.

possible complications

• Infection. Shock, due to loss of fluids from the body.
• Severe burns can cause serious health problems that can lead to death.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• For severe burns call 911 for emergency help.
• See your health care provider for burns that are less severe. The burn area will be examined and treatment given depending on the type of burn and size of the area affected. Special dressings and skin-care products may be prescribed.
• For minor burns treated at home:
  • Place the burned area in cold water, hold it under running water, or use wet compresses on it for at least 5 minutes (longer for chemical burns). This will reduce pain and swelling. Don't use ice on a burn.
  • Use an aloe vera cream or antibiotic ointment (no butter). Wrap the area loosely with sterile gauze dressing to protect the area. Change the dressing each day.
  • Don't break blisters. This can cause infection.
  • Keep the burned area higher than the rest of the body, if possible.
• Emergency care and a hospital stay are usually needed for severe burns. Complications, such as lung damage from smoke, may need treatment. There are special burn centers for the most serious cases. Surgery may be needed to graft skin, and rehabilitation may be needed after burns start healing.

medications

• You may take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
• Hospital care may include drugs to treat the burns, for pain, and to prevent infection. A tetanus booster is needed if it is not up to date.

activity

Resume normal activity as soon as possible. This will help speed recovery.

diet

No special diet for minor burns. Severe burns may require use of a feeding tube until symptoms improve.

 notify our office if

• You have a burn that does not heal in 6 days.
• Child under age 2 has a burn, even if it seems minor.
• You develop chills, fever, or increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus in the burn area.

Special Notes: