**Burns** Burns are caused by heat, electricity, radiation or chemicals. **Types:** * **Thermal:** * Flame burns * Scald burns (hot liquids) * Contact burns (hot objects) * **Electrical:** * Current passing through the body * Can cause deep tissue damage * **Chemical:** * Acids or alkalis * Can cause extensive tissue damage * **Radiation:** * Sunburn, radiation therapy * Can cause superficial or deep burns **Depth of Burns:** * **Superficial (1st degree):** * Epidermis only * Red, painful, dry * Heals in 3-5 days * **Superficial Partial-Thickness (2nd degree):** * Epidermis and upper dermis * Red, moist, blistered, painful * Heals in 2-3 weeks * **Deep Partial-Thickness (2nd degree):** * Epidermis and most of dermis * Waxy white, mottled, less painful * May scar, may need skin grafting * **Full-Thickness (3rd degree):** * Destruction of epidermis and dermis * White, charred, painless * Requires skin grafting **Rule of Nines for Burns:** * Used to estimate the extent of body surface area burned. * Head and neck: 9% * Anterior trunk: 18% * Posterior trunk: 18% * Each arm: 9% * Each leg: 18% * Perineum: 1% **Treatment:** * **Cool the burned area with water.** * **Remove constricting clothing.** * **Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth.** * **Elevate the burned area.** * **Administer pain medication.** * **Prevent infection.** * **Promote healing.**