Burns are a widespread injury, occur daily and are often minor injuries.
burn classification
Burns are classified according to their degrees of severity, as each of these degrees has its own external features and distinct complications, and may require different treatment methods, which are as follows:
First-degree burns: In this case, the injury is only in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
Second-degree burns: Injury to the two outer layers of the skin.
Third-degree burns: the damage reaches after the layers of the skin, affecting the tissues under the skin.
Fourth-degree burns: The damage reaches very deep layers of muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, and bones.
How to calculate the damaged area
The size of the affected areas is assessed as follows
Head and neck: 9%.
Stomach and chest: 18%.
Back: 18%
Each arm: 9%.
Leg: 18%.
Pubic area: 1%.
Burn symptoms
The symptoms and appearance of the burn vary according to its degree, as follows
First degree burn symptoms
The affected layer of skin is usually red or swollen, but permanent damage is not expected from such a burn.
Symptoms of a second degree burn
When exposed to a burn of this type, the skin is mostly wet, and blisters may appear on it, and the burn is likely to leave a chronic scar.
Symptoms of a third degree burn
With a burn of this type, the skin is usually hard, waxy, and sometimes rough.
The nerve endings can be injured, causing tingling and numbness in the area of the injury.
4th degree burn symptoms
When exposed to a burn of this type, the skin is black or charred, and the nerve injury may be bad and so severe that no pain is felt.
Causes and risk factors for burns
There are a large number of types of burns, but the most common of these types are those resulting from direct heat exposure. The most important causes and risk factors for burn injury are:
exposure to fire.
Burning with water vapor.
Use hot tools.
Sun rays.
Electric burn.
Burning due to chemicals, especially acid.
Burn complications
Burns can cause other damage than the burn area, including
bacterial infection
The skin acts as a protective shield from the entry of harmful substances into the body, and the state of the burn damages this protective shield, so that pollutants infiltrate the body, causing local pollution in the place of the burn, or that the infection may be more serious and cause sepsis, which is harmful to the person’s life .
Hypovolaemia
We may lose due to exposure to burning a large amount of blood fluids, as a result of damage to blood vessels, damage to the skin that protects us from leakage of fluids outside.
This condition can cause hypovolemia, which reduces the amount of blood that the heart pumps to the rest of the body, and causes severe damage.
hypothermia
Injury to the skin may lead to the loss of a large part of body heat, and if the body cannot provide the necessary heat in order to compensate for the lost heat after this injury, the body temperature will in a way that threatens the life of the patient in real danger.
Respiratory disorder
Inhaling hot air and smoke can damage the respiratory system, which can cause great damage and cause many respiratory problems.
Scarring
During the normal healing process of burns, scars may sometimes develop, especially when the damaged tissue is external.
These scars may not be aesthetically pleasing, and they can limit movement if they come over a joint of the body.
The process of scar formation can also occur in the internal tissues, where the muscle and tendon tissues can go through a state of scarring that leads to their contraction, limiting the ability to move, and the occurrence of a defect in the joint itself.
Diagnosis of burns
The doctor determines the severity of the burn based on the area it covers, and then may order the following tests:
blood test.
X-ray imaging.
burn treatment
The treatment of burns depends on its depth and size. This treatment can range from home treatment for a minor burn, to hospital treatment for a very serious burn.
1. Home treatment for burns
In order to prepare an appropriate treatment program, an assessment of the severity and severity of the injury, the extent of the burn, and the size of the affected areas must first be made.
Treatment of first and second degree burns
In the event of a first or second degree burn that is not spread over a large area of the body, it is possible to treat burns at home in the following way:
Stay away from the burner.
Cooling the burn with water at room temperature 10-25 degrees.
Apply a moisture cream to prevent drying of the burn area, and it is recommended to use preparations extracted from Aloe Vera.
Cover the burn with sterile gauze. It is also important not to press too hard on the burn area.
Use of pain relievers.
Refrain from popping the blisters as this process increases the risk of infection.
Clean the area well using soap and water if the blisters break, then apply an antibiotic ointment and a burn dressing.
In most cases, the patient does not have to see a doctor.
Treatment of third and fourth degree burns
Burning of more serious degrees, or burning in widespread areas with a diameter of more than 7.5 centimeters, or burning in the palms of the hands and legs, or if there is difficulty breathing after inhaling smoke, you should seek immediate and urgent medical treatment.
Until appropriate treatment is received, it must be ensured that
Removing the cause of the burn from the affected area, such as: putting out the burning clothes, removing the acids that led to the burning, and others.
Ensure that the casualty is breathing, and begin resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.
Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.
Do not use fabrics made of fibers, such as: carpet or towel, because these fibers can stick to the burn area.
A visit to the doctor should not be neglected in these cases.
2. Medical treatment for burns
Medical treatment includes the following
Give the patient intravenous fluids if the patient has lost a large amount of fluid.
Burn cleaning.
Antibiotic treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
Use of pain relievers.
Burn dressing.
A surgical operation is performed during which the damaged layer is removed and skin tissue is transplanted in its place in some severely damaged cases.
Burn prevention
Burns are a common phenomenon that often occurs at home, so we must follow the following tips:
Ensure that the environment around us is safe.
Keep leftover cigarettes and electrical plug out of the reach of young children.
Prevention of sun damage.
