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Burns Summary

Burns are injuries to the skin caused by various factors including heat, chemicals, and radiation, classified into four types based on depth. Initial management involves cooling the burn and covering it, while hospital management focuses on airway, fluids, and infection prevention. Complications can include shock, infections, and respiratory issues, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies.

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66 views3 pages

Burns Summary

Burns are injuries to the skin caused by various factors including heat, chemicals, and radiation, classified into four types based on depth. Initial management involves cooling the burn and covering it, while hospital management focuses on airway, fluids, and infection prevention. Complications can include shock, infections, and respiratory issues, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies.

Uploaded by

indexaaliyaghori
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

BURNS - SUMMARY

Definition:

Burns are injuries to the skin or other tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or

radiation.

Types of Burns (by depth):

1. First-degree (superficial): Affects only the epidermis; red, painful, dry (e.g., sunburn).

2. Second-degree (partial-thickness): Affects epidermis and part of the dermis; red, blistered,

painful.

3. Third-degree (full-thickness): Affects all skin layers; white, leathery, painless due to nerve

damage.

4. Fourth-degree: Extends into muscles, bones, and tendons.

Causes:

- Thermal (fire, hot liquids, steam)

- Electrical

- Chemical (acids, alkalis)

- Radiation (e.g., sunburn, radiotherapy)

Rule of Nines (Adult):

Used to estimate total body surface area (TBSA) affected:

- Head and neck: 9%

- Each arm: 9%

- Each leg: 18%

- Front torso: 18%

- Back: 18%
- Perineum: 1%

Clinical Features:

- Pain, redness, swelling, blistering, charred skin (depends on depth)

- Fluid loss, infection risk, shock (especially in major burns)

Initial Management (First Aid):

- Stop the burning process

- Cool the burn with cool (not ice) water for 10-20 minutes

- Cover with clean, non-stick dressing

- Do not apply ice, butter, or oils

Hospital Management:

- Airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs)

- IV fluids (Parkland formula)

- Pain management

- Wound care and infection prevention

- Tetanus prophylaxis

- Surgery (e.g., debridement, skin grafting) if needed

Complications:

- Hypovolemic shock

- Infections (e.g., sepsis)

- Scarring, contractures

- Respiratory complications (especially in inhalational burns)

Prevention:
- Safe handling of hot objects and chemicals

- Fire alarms, safe electrical wiring

- Sun protection

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