Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managing Burns

Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment

Overview

Burns are a type of tissue damage that results from heat, overexposure to the sun or other radiation, or chemical or electrical contact. They can range from minor medical problems to life-threatening emergencies. The treatment of burns depends on the location and severity of the damage. Sunburns and small scalds can usually be treated at home. However, deep or widespread burns need immediate medical attention. Some people may require treatment at specialized burn centers and months-long follow-up care.

Types of Burn Injury

First-degree burns: These are superficial burns affecting only the outer layer of the skin, or the epidermis. They cause redness and pain and usually heal within a week.
Second-degree burns: These burns extend to the second layer of the skin, or the dermis. They cause redness, pain, swelling, and blistering.
Third-degree burns: These are the most severe type of burns. They extend through the entire thickness of the skin. They can cause a white or blackened, charred appearance to the skin, and the skin may be numb.

Causes of Burn Injury

Heat Burns: These are caused by fire, steam, hot objects, or hot liquids.
Cold Temperature Burns: Also known as frostbite, these occur when skin and underlying tissues freeze.
Electrical Burns: These are caused by contact with electrical sources or by lightning.
Chemical Burns: These are caused by contact with household or industrial chemicals in a liquid, solid, or gas form.
Radiation Burns: These are caused by the sun, tanning booths, sunlamps, X-rays, or radiation therapy for cancer.

Risk Factors of Burn Injury

Age: Infants and older adults are more susceptible to burns.
Certain Occupations: People who work in kitchens or with fire and electrical equipment are at higher risk.
Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of burns.
Lack of Safety Measures: Not having proper safety measures in place at home or work can increase the risk of burns.

Symptoms of Burn Injury

These are the few important symptoms of burning:

1. Swelling: Burns often cause the affected area to swell. This is due to fluid accumulating in the tissues as part of the body’s response to injury.

2. Pain: Burns can cause significant pain. The severity of the pain often correlates with the degree of the burn, but this is not always the case. Some severe burns can damage nerves and may not be painful.

3. Peeling Skin: As the burn heals, the damaged skin may start to peel off. This is a normal part of the healing process.

4. Blisters: Blisters may form on the skin as a result of second-degree burns. They are filled with a clear fluid and are a sign that the burn has extended beyond the top layer of the skin.

Preventions of Burn Injury

Install Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms in your home and check them regularly.
Practice Fire Safety: Have a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
Be Cautious Around Electricity: Don’t overload outlets or use equipment with frayed cords.
Store Chemicals Safely: Keep chemicals out of reach of children and properly labeled.

Diagnosis of Burn Injury

A doctor will classify the burn based on its depth, size, and location. They may also order lab tests and imaging studies to assess the burn’s severity and to check for other injuries.

Treatment for Burn Injury

Treatment depends on the burn’s severity and may include wound dressings, pain management, tetanus vaccination, antibiotics, and surgery. Severe burns may require treatment at a specialized burn center.

When to seek medical attention ?

Seek immediate medical attention if the burn is deep, widespread, on the face, hands, feet, genitals, buttocks, or a major joint, or if the person with the burn is an infant or a senior.