Burns

Burns are one of the most painful injuries, and they have different types and degrees, depending on what caused them and how much harm they did.

Burns

Burns occur when something damages the tissues of the body, and they can be simple and easily managed, or they might turn into a life-threatening condition.

Causes of burns

Different factors can cause burns, and they include the following types:

• Thermal burns: they happen due to something extremely hot or cold, including fire, liquids, steam, metal objects, and ice.
• Chemical burns: they result from acidic or alkaline chemicals.
• Electrical burns: electricity can generate heat, and also, electrical energy can overload the cells.
• Radiation burns: they occur when exposed to different forms of radiation, including sunlight.
• Friction burns: rubbing something roughly on the body could generate heat and cause burns.

Symptoms of burns

Symptoms usually include pain, changes in skin appearance or texture, and skin discoloration. They differ according to the burn degree:

• First-degree burns (superficial burns): they only affect the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) and are minor and cause mild pain and redness.
• Second-degree burns (partial-thickness burns): they impact the epidermis in addition to the second layer of the skin (the dermis) and cause stronger pain, blisters, swelling, and changes in the texture of the skin.
• Third-degree burns (full-thickness burns): they go deeper into the whole skin layers and reach the fatty tissues. They also damage the endings of the nerve; therefore, they usually don’t cause pain, and they appear black, brown, or white.

Complications of burns

Complications can occur depending on the degree and spread of the burn:

• Infections.
• Scarring.
• Low body temperature.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Breathing problems.
• Fluid loss and dehydration.
• Organ, bone, and muscle damage.
• Blood clots.
• Sepsis.

Diagnosis of burns

• Physical exam.
• There are specific criteria to determine the severity of the burn depending on its degree and spread.

Treatment of burns

• Treating burns varies according to the type and degree.
• In general, when having a small first- or second-degree burn, put the burned area under cool running water for at least 10 minutes, except for chemical burns.
• Avoid putting ice on the burn, and don’t use anything before asking the health care provider.
• Don’t break the blisters.
• You can take analgesics to manage the pain.
• For third-degree and very large second-degree burns, the patient requires professional and emergent healthcare.