University:
Liberty University
Course:
BIOM 500 | Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
Academic year:

2024
Views:

257

Pages:

6
Author:

Sheha A.

BURNS Definition: Burns are classified not only by cause, degree, depth but effect is also important. Burn Management is essential Cause: Fire Contact with hot objects Contact with chemicals Electricity Boiling water Steam Hot oil The rule of 9 Head 9% Chest 9% Upper back 9% Abdomen 9% Lower back 9% Thigh 9% + 9% Lower leg 9% + 9% Groin 1% Perineum 1% Types of Burns Dry Burns: Lighted cigarettes, and hot electrical equipment such as irons are all common causes of dry burns. Scalds: Hot heat such as steam, hot water, and hot food products cause scalds. Cold burns: Cold burns result from contact with metals in freezing conditions (liquid nitrogen). Chemical Burns: Acid and alkali found in domestic cleaning products as well as in bio-decontaminants cause chemical burns if contact with skin. Electrical Burns: Electric current and lightning generate heat and cause burns. Skin and underlying tissues Radiation Burns: Sun, x-rays and light reflected from a bright surface can damage the skin and eyes. Classification of Burns Burns are classified according to area and depth of injury. Types of Burns: 3 levels of burns Superficial Burns Intermediate Burns Deep Burns Area: The area of a burn gives a sign as to whether or not a casualty is likely to go into shock. The greater the area of burned surface, the greater the possibility of shock, because of loss of fluid through the burned area. Depth of Burns: 3 levels Superficial Burns: Superficial burns involve the outer layers of skin and result in general redness, swelling, and moderate tenderness. This type of burn usually heals well. Intermediate Burns: Intermediate burns involve the formation of blisters, which may be intact or broken, with an area of surrounding redness. Deep Burns: Deep burns involved loss of skin. The skin appears pale, sometimes charred. Because nerve endings are damaged, the deep burn can be painless. Skin grafts and specialized medical attention are needed. Blisters: Blisters can appear, which form an area covered by a clear blister. If broken, the blister is likely to be swollen and red. Damaged skin and underlying tissues are damaged. Damaged skin and epidermis (the top layer of skin) can be infected. The substances released are also not damaged.