L3.7.2: Burns

• • Tissue damage and cell death caused by heat, electricity, UV radiation, or chemicals
  • ASSOCIATED DANGERS:
  • Protein denaturation and cell death
  • Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
  • Circulatory shock
  • Results in loss of body fluids and infection from the invasion of bacteria


  Burns
• EXTENT OF BURN IS ESTIMATED USING THE RULES OF NINES:

  • Body is divided into 11 areas for quick estimation
  • Each area represents about 9% of total body surface area
  • The area surrounding the genitals (the perineum) represents 1% of the body surface area
• Classification of burns according to depth

  • First-degree (superficial)
  • Second-degree (partial-thickness)
  • Third-degree (full-thickness)
  • Fourth-degree (full-thickness)
• • Only superficial epidermis is damaged
  • Skin is red and swollen
  • Not usually serious and heals in 2-3 days
  • Ex: Sunburn without blistering


  First-degree (superficial)
• • Epidermis and superficial part of the dermis are damaged
  • Skin is red, painful, and blistered
  • Regrowth of the epithelium can occur
  • No permanent scars


  Second-degree (partial-thickness)
• • Epidermis and dermis are destroyed
  • Skin is painless
  • Skin is blanched (gray-white) or black
  • Required skin grafts, as regeneration is not possible

  Third-degree (full thickness)
• • Extends into deeper tissue such as bone, muscle, or tendons
  • Appears dry and leathery
  • Requires surgery and grafting
  • May require amputation


  Fourth-degree (full thickness)
• CRITERIA FOR DEEMING BURNS CRITICAL:

  ● Over 30% of body has second-degree burns

  ● Over 10% of the body has third- or fourth-degree burns

  ● Third- or fourth-degree burns of the face, hands, feet, or genitals

  ● Burns affect the airways

  ● Circumferential (around the body or limb) burns have occurred