Burns
Burns are usually caused by heat (thermal
burns), such as fire, steam, or hot liquids. Burns are also caused by
chemicals, radiation, sunlight, and electricity. Thermal and chemical burns
usually occur because heat or chemicals contact part of the body's surface,
most often the skin. Thus, the skin usually sustains most of the damage.
However, severe surface burns may penetrate to deeper body structures, such
as fat, muscle, or bone. The depth of injury from a burn is described as
first, second, or third degree. First-degree burns are the most shallow,
and affect only the top layer of skin (epidermis). Second-degree burns
extend into the 
middle layer of skin (dermis). Third-degree burns involve
all three layers of skin (epidermis, dermis, and fat layer), usually
destroying the sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings as well.
Infection can cause a first degree burn to become a second degree, and a
second degree to become a third degree. Treatment depends on the severity
of the burn. Superficial minor burns should be treated with cool water and
an antibiotic cream. Deep minor burns are treated with antibiotic cream,
and may require a skin graft, in which a piece of healthy skin is taken
from an unburned area of the person's body, from another living or dead
person, or from another species, and sewn over the burned area. Severe,
life-threatening burns require immediate care. Large amounts of intravenous
fluids are given to treat dehydration and destruction of muscle tissue.
Severe burns take a long time to heal, sometimes years. As such, extensive
hospitalization is usually required for severe burns.
Surgical treatment of burns usually involves
the removal (debridement) of dead tissue, and the grafting of viable skin
on the site of the burn. Typically, the skin that is grafted comes from the
patient’s body. There are different types of skin grafts that can be
performed. Depending upon the severity of the injury, multiple skin grafts
may be required.
There are three types of scars associated
with burn injuries. A keloid scar is an overgrowth of scar tissue and it is
usually red or pink. A hypertrophic scar is a raised scar that is red and
thick. A contracture scar is a tightening of the skin and may affect the
muscles and tendons.
For related information go to:
Chronic Pain Syndrome,
Motor Vehicle Accidents
and
Pain
At
Cheong, Denove, Rowell & Bennett, we believe the more
you know, the better choice you will make.
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